Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) signed an agreement Tuesday in Cairo to restart cooperation, including steps toward resuming inspections of Iran’s nuclear facilities.
The announcement came after a meeting involving Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi.
The development comes as France, Germany, and the United Kingdom on August 28 began the process of reimposing sanctions on Iran, accusing Tehran of violating the 2015 nuclear deal designed to curb its weapons programme.
Earlier, on July 2, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed a law suspending all cooperation with the U.N. nuclear watchdog, following approval by parliament.
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Tensions had already escalated after Israel waged a 12-day war against Iran in June, during which Israel and the United States struck Iranian nuclear sites. Since then, IAEA inspectors have only visited the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, operated with Russian technical support.
Inspectors observed a fuel replacement procedure at the Bushehr plant on August 27–28, but they have not been able to verify Iran’s near bomb-grade uranium stockpile since the June conflict. The IAEA described the situation as “a matter of serious concern”.
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Egypt has been facilitating talks between Iran and the IAEA. The Iranian Foreign Ministry had previously cautioned that discussions would be “technical” and “complicated”, highlighting the fragile state of negotiations.
The IAEA board had declared on June 12 that Iran was in breach of its non-proliferation obligations, just a day before Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites triggered the war.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
