The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency has called for a "very strong system of verification" to monitor Iran's nuclear programme as negotiations continue between Tehran and Washington over a permanent settlement following their preliminary ceasefire agreement.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said the agency must be granted full access to verify that Iran is not developing nuclear weapons, stressing that declarations alone are insufficient.
The remarks came as the United States and Iran issued conflicting statements over whether international inspections have already been agreed upon under the framework of ongoing negotiations.
Grossi said Iran has repeatedly declared that developing nuclear weapons is not its intention, but added that verification remains essential.
He said the IAEA's role is not to assess intentions but to confirm compliance through inspections, stating that "We must verify everywhere."
Grossi also said the technical process had already begun and expressed hope that inspectors would return soon, adding that the exact timing was not critical.
The preliminary agreement identifies IAEA supervision as the mechanism for overseeing nuclear-related commitments, including the planned downblending of Iran's enriched uranium stockpile.
Before the conflict, the agency estimated Iran possessed 440 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 percent, though the status of that material remains unclear after US and Israeli strikes on nuclear facilities.
Iran suspended cooperation with the IAEA following those attacks before later allowing inspectors to resume visits to nuclear sites.
Negotiations remain complicated by differing accounts from Washington and Tehran regarding inspection arrangements.
US President Donald Trump has said Iran agreed to the "highest level nuclear inspections," while Iranian officials maintain that access to damaged nuclear sites will only be finalized within a broader agreement tied to sanctions relief.
Grossi described the situation as a "war of statements" but emphasized that the memorandum of understanding assigns nuclear supervision to the IAEA.
Iran's Foreign Ministry again rejected accusations that its nuclear programme seeks weapons capability, describing the programme as peaceful and calling on Gulf Cooperation Council states to cooperate on establishing a nuclear-weapons-free zone in West Asia.
The broader negotiations also continue to address disputes involving the Strait of Hormuz and Lebanon, highlighting the expanding scope of efforts to secure a lasting regional settlement.