We have breaking developments out of Tehran that could reshape the future of nuclear oversight in the Middle East. Iran is raising alarm bells at the United Nations, warning nuclear inspectors that it cannot guarantee their safety following recent U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on key nuclear facilities. The announcement comes amid rising international pressure on Iran to allow inspectors back in—and growing uncertainty over the stability of its nuclear program.
Speaking at a press briefing on Monday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said it was “unrealistic” to expect International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors to immediately access the heavily damaged sites. The comments were first reported by the IRGC-linked Tasnim News Agency.
Baghaei accused the IAEA of making premature demands and said the agency should share responsibility for what he called the “unlawful aggression” by the U.S. and Israel. According to him, the May IAEA resolution declaring Iran noncompliant was used as a “pretext” for the coordinated military attacks.
The strikes, ordered in part by President Donald Trump, reportedly devastated facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. Trump later claimed on social media that the sites were “totally obliterated,” but independent verification remains pending, as no inspectors have been granted access.
The IAEA’s Director General Rafael Grossi has said the damage was severe—but not total—and warned that Iran could potentially resume enrichment activities within a matter of months. Grossi also emphasized that the IAEA “will have to return,” even as Iran insists a full safety review must come first.
Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization is now conducting its own internal assessment of the damage. Until that’s complete, Iran says it cannot ensure that inspection teams would be secure, nor that facilities are structurally stable.
Under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), Iran is required to disclose all nuclear activity and submit to regular monitoring to ensure compliance. But with inspections currently suspended, the international community fears a major setback to nuclear transparency in the region.
If Iran refuses continued IAEA access, the agency’s Board of Governors could call an emergency session as early as this summer. That meeting could lead to formal diplomatic action at the United Nations Security Council, potentially reigniting sanctions or other measures.
President Trump, meanwhile, remains firm. In a post on Truth Social, he wrote, “I’m not offering Iran ANYTHING… We totally OBLITERATED their Nuclear Facilities.” He has also said he will order more strikes if Iran resumes high-level uranium enrichment.
Iran continues to insist its nuclear program is peaceful and for energy purposes. Still, its current enrichment levels have drawn serious concern, nearing weapons-grade thresholds.
The coming weeks may determine whether Iran chooses to reengage with the IAEA—or pushes the standoff into deeper crisis. The world is watching, and the stakes are high.
Reporting by Carl Montel.
