Iran Rejects IAEA Access to Nuclear Sites Hit in War

Iran said on Tuesday that it does not intend to let International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors visit nuclear facilities that were attacked during the recent confrontation. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei also said Tehran had no intention of allowing such access to the damaged sites.

The ministry said it had not held any meeting with the IAEA director general in Switzerland, rejecting reports of talks there. It also said the handling of frozen funds that are expected to be released will be decided according to Iran’s own interests.

The comments came a day after U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance said there had been progress on the nuclear file despite Iran’s denials. He said, “The Iranians agreed to invite the international inspectors to their country, this is a very important step.” Vance added that the foundation had been laid for a final agreement with Iran and that technical talks would continue through the week.

Vance said he expected the IAEA to visit as soon as this week, perhaps even that day. He also said the talks were working on a mechanism to disarm Hezbollah, while seeking to protect both Israeli security and Lebanese sovereignty.