ALBAWABA — Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned Sunday that inspections cannot take place without new security arrangements and emphasized Tehran's deep mistrust of Washington by stating that unexploded bombs are still present at nuclear facilities targeted by U.S. strikes during last year's brief war.
Speaking to Iran's state-run Young Journalists Club, Araghchi said he brought up the matter with the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), inquiring as to whether there is a set of rules or guidelines for visiting attacked nuclear sites. The IAEA chief responded that there isn't a mechanism like that in place at the moment, according to Araghchi.
Iran has, according to Araghchi, demanded that a specific procedure be put in place prior to any inspections, citing security threats such as unexploded munitions and other unresolved safety issues. Tehran maintains communication with the IAEA, he continued, but maintains that inspections should only take place following the conclusion of definitive agreements.
The statements are made in the midst of a resurgence of diplomatic efforts after the conflict of the previous year. Supported by the United States, Israel began a 12-day military campaign against Iran in June 2025, killing senior commanders and scientists while attacking military, nuclear, and civilian targets. Iran retaliated by using drones and missiles to target Israeli military and intelligence installations.
The United States claimed to have neutralized key capabilities when it launched its own strikes on Iranian nuclear installations later that month. Before Washington declared a ceasefire between Iran and Israel on June 24, Iran retaliated by attacking Qatar's Al Udeid Air Base.
Araghchi's remarks also came at the same time that the United States and Iran held indirect talks in Muscat, Oman, for the first time since the 2025 war. The discussions, according to observers, are similar to past attempts that were unsuccessful following the start of hostilities.
Iran: Do Not Believe Washington
Araghchi claimed that Iran does not trust the United States and is still unsure of how the current negotiations will turn out in a separate speech given in Tehran at a national conference on Iran's foreign policy history.
He cautioned that deceit is still a possibility, saying, "They tried every option and failed, and now they are back at the negotiating table." Regardless of diplomatic developments, he urged Iranian institutions to keep up their work.
Araghchi emphasized that uranium enrichment is a valid right and restated that Iran will not accept a "zero enrichment" policy. He went on to say that although Iran is willing to use diplomacy, openness, and measures to foster confidence to allay worries about its nuclear program, it will not give up what it views as a sovereign right.
Expectations are still low on both sides for the first direct diplomatic meeting between Tehran and Washington since the fighting put a stop to talks last year, which is taking place in Muscat.
