Tehran/Vienna: Iran has agreed to host a technical-level delegation from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in the coming weeks to negotiate a new framework for cooperation. The visit is intended to shape modalities of IAEA engagement with Iran—not inspections of nuclear facilities at this stage, according to Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi
IAEA Director‑General Rafael Grossi confirmed that his agency plans to begin “technical conversations” with Iran, focusing initially on procedural details before advancing to higher‑level consultations. No inspectors will accompany the technical team in this first phase Reuters. Iran’s cooperation remains conditional under a new law stipulating that any nuclear site access must be approved on a case‑by‑case basis by its Supreme National Security Council
The development comes amid rising tensions following recent Israeli and U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Iran insists its nuclear programme is peaceful and has threatened to withdraw from the Nuclear Non‑Proliferation Treaty if European powers trigger “snapback” sanctions by October unless a diplomatic breakthrough is achieved by end‑August
European diplomats from the E3 (UK, France, Germany) held detailed talks in Istanbul with Iranian officials on July 25, warning of looming sanctions while encouraging renewed transparency and IAEA involvement
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has demanded that the IAEA abandon what he calls double standards before meaningful cooperation can resume, emphasizing that any engagement must respect Iran’s rights under the NPT—including uranium enrichment—and ensure protection of its sovereignty and nuclear scientists