Iran May Allow American IAEA Inspectors Under New Nuclear Deal

Iran has indicated for the first time that it may allow U.S. nuclear inspectors to visit its atomic sites—provided ongoing negotiations with Washington result in a new nuclear deal, according to senior Iranian officials and state media.

Mohammad Eslami, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, told reporters in Tehran on Wednesday that Tehran could reconsider its current ban on U.S. monitors working under the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

“If Iran’s demands are taken into account and an agreement is reached, Iran can reconsider the acceptance of American inspectors,”

Mohammad Eslami, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran

Currently, Iran approves specific inspectors from a list provided by the IAEA, often excluding those from Western countries. Iran’s past refusal to admit U.S. experts stems largely from security concerns, especially following high-profile sabotage incidents at its nuclear sites.

Enrichment Remains the Sticking Point

Despite signals of flexibility, Tehran remains firm on uranium enrichment. Eslami described enrichment as the “foundation and pillar” of Iran’s nuclear program, likening any attempt to dismantle it to cutting off the power supply from a national grid.

Washington, under President Donald Trump, has demanded that enrichment be brought to zero, arguing that it provides a potential pathway to weaponization. Tehran, however, insists its program is purely civilian and sees enrichment as a red line.

Talks Advance with Russian Mediation

The latest indirect U.S.-Iran negotiations have made modest progress, with Russia playing a mediating role. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said both sides are “moving in the right direction,” and confirmed that Iran’s right to enrichment remains a core topic.

Trump, for his part, expressed optimism after recent talks in Rome, calling them “very good” and suggesting a potential breakthrough may be close.