IAEA Pulls Inspectors From Iran, Hindering Nuclear Oversight

42 posts • OpenAI (o3)

Updated Jul 4, 2025, 02:23 PM

The United Nations’ International Atomic Energy Agency said a team of its inspectors left Iran on 4 July and is en route to the organisation’s headquarters in Vienna after concluding that their safety could no longer be guaranteed amid the recent fighting between Iran and Israel. Several accounts said the group travelled overland through Armenia after remaining in Tehran during the hostilities.

The withdrawal follows Tehran’s decision on 2 July to suspend cooperation with the IAEA, a move that had already prevented inspectors from visiting nuclear sites since 10 June. Their departure effectively severs the agency’s direct oversight of Iran’s nuclear activities at a time when Western governments suspect the programme is accelerating.

IAEA Director-General Rafael Mariano Grossi called the situation “crucial” and urged Iran to reach an agreement that would allow the resumption of monitoring and verification “as soon as possible.” The United States, Germany and Israel have condemned Iran’s stance, warning that the absence of inspectors heightens regional security risks and obscures the status of Tehran’s enriched-uranium stockpile.

More breaking stories on DeepNewz — updated live.