Iran Rejects Nuclear Site Inspections, Demands 'Post-War Conditions' Framework from IAEA

Iran Halts Inspections Amidst Escalating Tensions

Tehran, Iran – The Islamic Republic of Iran declared on December 29, 2025, that it would reject any further inspections of its nuclear facilities, which were reportedly bombed in recent US strikes, until the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) establishes a clear 'post-war conditions' framework. This announcement intensifies an already strained relationship between Tehran and international nuclear watchdogs, following a series of military actions and diplomatic disputes.

Mohammad Eslami, head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization (AEOI), stated that Iran would not yield to what he described as 'political and psychological pressure' to allow renewed access to the damaged sites. He emphasized that the IAEA must define and codify procedures for inspecting nuclear facilities that have been subjected to military attacks, a scenario he argues is not adequately covered by existing safeguards agreements.

Background to the Strikes and Iranian Demands

The Iranian decision comes months after significant military operations in June 2025, when the United States Air Force and Navy, in an operation reportedly codenamed 'Operation Midnight Hammer,' targeted three major Iranian nuclear facilities: Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. These strikes, which utilized GBU-57A/B MOP 'bunker buster' bombs and Tomahawk missiles, aimed to 'destroy or severely degrade Iran's nuclear program.' Initial assessments indicated 'extremely severe damage and destruction' to the sites, with some reports suggesting Iran's nuclear program could be set back by approximately two years.

Following these attacks, Iran expelled IAEA inspectors stationed in the country, arguing that the agency failed to condemn the strikes on its nuclear facilities. Eslami reiterated Iran's position, stating, 'If the Agency agrees with war and military attacks, it should adopt a resolution and explicitly state that attacks on safeguarded nuclear facilities are permitted. But if such attacks are not permitted, they must be condemned – and once condemned, it must be clarified what the post-war conditions are.'

International Reactions and Future Implications

The international community has expressed growing concern over the escalating tensions. The IAEA had previously called on Iran to provide 'full and prompt cooperation' and allow verification of nuclear material. However, Iran's foreign ministry has dismissed such resolutions as 'anti-Iranian' and threatened unspecified retaliatory actions.

The impasse over inspections and the demand for a 'post-war conditions' framework highlight a significant challenge for nuclear non-proliferation efforts. Without IAEA access, the international community's ability to independently assess the state of Iran's nuclear program and verify its peaceful nature is severely hampered. This situation is further complicated by Iran's continued enrichment activities, which have reached levels close to weapons-grade, and its growing stockpile of highly enriched uranium.

Ongoing Diplomatic Standoff

The current diplomatic standoff underscores the deep divisions between Iran and Western powers. While the United States has indicated openness to formal negotiations, it has maintained strict conditions, including 'zero enrichment' inside Iran, a demand Tehran rejects as contrary to its rights under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). The lack of a commonly agreed factual basis for negotiations, due to restricted IAEA access, further complicates any potential diplomatic resolution.