Adedokun Waliyu 
The head of the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog has said that Iran’s pledge not to develop nuclear weapons will require a “very strong” verification system as the United States and Iran negotiate a permanent settlement following their recent conflict.
Iran’s nuclear programme remains one of the major issues in talks aimed at ending the Middle East war, which began in late February with a large-scale US-Israeli military campaign.
Although Iran and the United States signed a preliminary peace agreement last week, discussions are continuing on several unresolved issues, including Iran’s nuclear activities. However, conflicting statements from Tehran and Washington have created uncertainty over whether UN inspectors will be allowed access to Iranian nuclear facilities.
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director-General Rafael Grossi said Iran has clearly stated that it does not intend to develop nuclear weapons, but stressed that declarations alone are insufficient.
“Intentions are not enough. We have to have a very strong verification system in place as soon as is practicable,” Grossi said.
He added that the IAEA has only just begun discussions with Iran following the agreement with the United States.
Under the preliminary deal, Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium is expected to be diluted under IAEA supervision. Before the war, the IAEA estimated that Iran possessed about 440 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 percent, but the location and condition of that stockpile remain unknown after US and Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities last year. Uranium enriched to 90 percent can be used to produce nuclear weapons.
Grossi also said that, as an alternative to diluting the uranium, the material could be removed from Iran, although he acknowledged that doing so would be technically more complicated.
Disagreement Over Inspections
Iran’s nuclear programme has long been a source of tension with Western countries, which suspect Tehran is pursuing nuclear weapons. Iran has consistently denied the allegations, insisting that its nuclear programme is solely for peaceful civilian purposes.
US President Donald Trump recently stated that Iran had agreed to allow UN inspectors back into the country. Grossi also expressed confidence that inspections would resume.
However, Iranian officials later said they had no intention of allowing the IAEA to return, highlighting ongoing disagreements between both sides.
Iran had previously suspended cooperation with the IAEA after the US and Israeli attacks last year. Earlier, the 2015 nuclear agreement between Iran and six world powers had placed restrictions on Iran’s nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief, but the deal collapsed after the United States withdrew during Trump’s first presidency.
Strait of Hormuz Dispute
Another major issue threatening the negotiations is the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route through which a significant portion of the world’s oil and gas exports passes.
Iran closed the waterway during the conflict in retaliation for US-Israeli attacks, disrupting global energy supplies. It has also proposed introducing fees for ships using the strait, a move strongly opposed by the United States and Gulf countries.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio rejected the proposal, warning that it could create “total chaos.” While reaffirming Washington’s desire for a peace agreement, he stressed that the United States would not accept “a deal at any price.”
The security situation in the strait remains tense. A cargo ship was recently struck by an unidentified projectile, damaging its bridge but causing no casualties. The incident also forced the United Nations to suspend efforts to evacuate stranded mariners from the area.
Mixed Reactions in Iran
Despite progress in diplomatic talks, many Iranians say they have not experienced any improvement in their daily lives.
A government employee identified as Amir said life had become more difficult despite the negotiations.
Another resident, Mehdi, said that until people experience real improvements in their everyday lives, hope will continue to be mixed with doubt, exhaustion, and anxiety.
