World ( The cow news digital ) Iran has refused to grant the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) access to inspect several nuclear facilities that were recently damaged in attacks, escalating tensions over the future of international monitoring of its nuclear program.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei announced that inspectors from the United Nations nuclear watchdog would not be allowed to examine the affected sites at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. The facilities were reportedly impacted during recent military strikes attributed to the United States and Israel.
Speaking to reporters, Baghaei said Tehran would not permit inspections of the damaged installations under the current circumstances. He also rejected reports suggesting that Iranian officials had held discussions with the IAEA Director General in Switzerland regarding access to the facilities.
The decision marks a significant development in the ongoing dispute over Iran’s nuclear activities and could complicate diplomatic efforts aimed at restoring transparency and confidence in the country’s nuclear program.
Meanwhile, Baghaei addressed reports concerning Iran’s frozen financial assets, stating that Tehran currently faces no restrictions on the use of funds that have been released or made available through international arrangements.
The announcement came as U.S. President Donald Trump offered a different assessment of the situation. Trump claimed that Iran had agreed in principle to comprehensive inspections of its nuclear facilities, arguing that continued diplomatic engagement would not be possible without Tehran’s willingness to cooperate.
“If Iran had not agreed to inspections, there would be no reason for further talks,” Trump said while commenting on the status of negotiations.
The U.S. president also stated that American naval forces remain prepared to enforce any future measures if necessary, although he expressed confidence that renewed blockades or additional restrictions may not be required. He further indicated that restored Iranian assets would be maintained in bank accounts subject to U.S. oversight.
The conflicting statements from Tehran and Washington highlight the continuing uncertainty surrounding the future of nuclear negotiations and verification efforts. Analysts say the disagreement over inspections could become a major obstacle in ongoing diplomatic discussions between Iran, the United States, and international stakeholders.
The IAEA has not yet publicly responded to Iran’s latest position. However, the agency has consistently emphasized the importance of access to nuclear sites in order to verify compliance with international safeguards and ensure the peaceful nature of nuclear activities.
As negotiations continue, the issue of inspections is expected to remain a central point of contention between Tehran and the international community.
