International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi said a "very strong inspection system" must be established to monitor Iran's nuclear program.
Speaking on Friday, Grossi called for full access to the nuclear watchdog, noting that ensuring Iran cannot develop nuclear weapons is a key goal of the preliminary ceasefire agreement reached with the US.
The US and its Western allies have for years warned that Tehran's nuclear program could aim to develop weapons capability. Iran has always firmly denied any such intention, arguing that its program is entirely civilian.
'Intentions are not enough'
"The Iranian government has stated very clearly that it has no intention of developing nuclear weapons, but of course intentions are not enough," Grossi told reporters. "To have certainty, we need a very strong inspection system as soon as possible."
Emphasizing that the IAEA's position is not to judge intentions, Grossi also said they cannot take anything at face value: "We must inspect everywhere."
Dispute over access to nuclear sites
Inspection of Iran's nuclear facilities, which the US and Israel attacked during a 12-day war last June, has become a major point of contention as Washington and Tehran continue negotiations for a permanent peace deal based on a 14-point memorandum of understanding signed earlier this month.
Tehran suspended cooperation with the IAEA following the US and Israeli strikes last year. It agreed to allow inspectors back in September, and IAEA officials have since visited nuclear sites in the country. However, Iran has not yet granted access to the bombed nuclear facilities, and its enriched uranium stockpiles remain unaccounted for.
'War of statements'
Both the US and Iran have made conflicting statements on the matter as talks aimed at a long-term ceasefire continue. The US claimed that inspections were fully accepted in the memorandum of understanding and subsequent talks; Iran said discussions on the issue are limited for now.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Garibabadi said on Wednesday that access to the attacked nuclear sites and materials would be examined and resolved "within the framework of a final agreement" with the US. He said UN inspections depend on the US "taking practical steps to end all sanctions."
The US argues otherwise. President Donald Trump rejected Tehran's "objections and misrepresentations" and claimed Iran accepted "the highest level of nuclear inspections."
Grossi noted that a "war of statements" is underway but said the memorandum of understanding, particularly the nuclear part, states it will be "supervised by the IAEA." "Technical work has begun, and we hope to be there soon," he added.
Iran rejects accusations
Iran's Foreign Ministry on Friday once again rejected accusations regarding its nuclear program, responding to a joint statement by the US Secretary of State and Gulf Cooperation Council foreign ministers a day earlier outlining their shared goal of preventing Tehran from developing nuclear weapons.
Stressing that Iran's program is "peaceful," the ministry said the accusations are fabricated by the US and Israel and called on GCC member states to cooperate with Tehran on establishing a nuclear-weapon-free zone in West Asia.
