IAEA Chief Grossi Calls For ‘Very Strong’ Verification System For Iran

09:57 26.6.2026

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) head Rafael Grossi said that a “very strong” verification system is needed in Iran to ensure the country does not develop nuclear weapons and complies with any US-Iran peace accord.

“I think the objective of this agreement is to ensure that there is no development of nuclear weapons in Iran,” Grossi said on June 26, referring to the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the United States and Iran signed last week.

“The government of Iran has clearly stated that this is not their intention,” Grossi told reporters in Japan.

“But of course, intentions are not enough. We need a very strong verification system in place as soon as practicable,” he added.

There is an agreement and to comply with that agreement, the IAEA will have to have access ‌and inspect,” Grossi said after Tehran indicated that key sites would remain off-limits until a final deal with Washington is reached and sanctions are lifted.

According to the provisions of the memorandum of understanding signed by the US and Iranian presidents on June 17, Iran reaffirmed that it would not procure or develop nuclear weapons. It also agreed that its stockpiled enriched uranium would be downblended on-site under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Iran continues to deny any intention of developing nuclear weapons, while insisting on its right to maintain a full civilian nuclear program.

With reporting from AFP and Reuters

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