Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have signed a technical agreement Tuesday, September 09, in Cairo, aimed at resuming cooperation, including restoring inspections of Iran’s nuclear sites.
The deal, brokered with Egyptian mediation, comes after months of heightened tensions following Israel’s June 2025 strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and Tehran’s suspension of collaboration with the U.N. watchdog. IAEA chief Rafael Grossi hailed the agreement as a step in the right direction, underscoring the critical need to re-establish inspection mechanisms under the nuclear non-proliferation treaty.
The accord arrives against the backdrop of Western moves to reimpose sanctions on Iran, with France, Germany and the U.K. triggering the “snapback” mechanism of the 2015 nuclear deal over Tehran’s enrichment breaches. Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, insisted the agreement respects his country’s security concerns but warned it would collapse if hostile actions, including renewed sanctions, were taken against Tehran. European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas cautiously welcomed the development, stressing the need for swift implementation by Iran to build trust in ongoing nuclear diplomacy.
Concerns remain acute, as the IAEA has reported Iran stockpiling more than 440 kilograms of uranium enriched up to 60%, close to weapons-grade levels. Inspectors have only been granted access to the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant since June, leaving large parts of Iran’s programme unverified. The U.N. watchdog has called the situation “a matter of serious concern,” while diplomats warn that unless Tehran reopens facilities to inspectors and re-engages in direct talks with Washington, the countdown to renewed international sanctions will continue.
Iran and IAEA Strike Technical Deal to Revive Nuclear Cooperation Amid Sanctions Threats
