UN nuclear watchdog urges Iran to take ‘steps’ towards inspections

The UN’s nuclear watchdog urged Iran to take “incremental steps” to allow inspectors to return to key nuclear facilities in the Islamic republic, adding such access was “critical” in a report seen by AFP Friday.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has not had access to key nuclear facilities in Iran since Israel, joined by the United States, launched a 12-day conflict in June 2025 that included strikes on nuclear sites.

Nuclear facilities have also been hit in the latest war, which erupted on February 28, and the IAEA has repeatedly called for access.

In its report, to be discussed at an IAEA board of governors meeting next week, the agency noted that it was “critical” for it to conduct “verification activities in Iran without further delay”.