Tehran ( The COW News Digital)Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have signed a landmark agreement to restore cooperation and resume inspections of Iran’s nuclear facilities, signaling a potential breakthrough in easing long-standing tensions over Tehran’s atomic program.
The agreement was finalized in Cairo, where Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi formally signed the document. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty also attended the high-level meeting, underscoring its regional and international importance.
While the detailed provisions of the agreement have not yet been disclosed, officials confirmed that it includes the resumption of inspections at Iran’s nuclear sites—an essential step for rebuilding confidence in Tehran’s compliance with international safeguards.
Speaking at a joint press conference, Grossi described the deal as “technical in nature” but emphasized its significance as a step in the right direction. “This agreement provides the foundation to re-establish trust and ensure transparency in Iran’s nuclear activities,” he said.
For Iran, the deal represents an opportunity to strengthen its international standing and push back against mounting concerns that its nuclear program could expand beyond peaceful purposes. Foreign Minister Araghchi reaffirmed Tehran’s commitment to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and insisted that Iran seeks only civilian nuclear energy.
The agreement follows months of uncertainty after IAEA inspectors faced restricted access to Iranian facilities. Diplomatic sources suggest that renewed dialogue between Iran and the IAEA could also help revive broader negotiations involving world powers, including efforts to restore elements of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
Observers note that Egypt’s role as host reflects Cairo’s growing importance as a mediator in regional disputes, particularly at a time when Middle Eastern security dynamics remain fragile.
The announcement comes just days after Grossi revealed that the IAEA was hopeful of resuming “full operations” in Iran within weeks. He stressed that restoring inspections is crucial to ensuring the agency can verify that Iran’s nuclear activities remain peaceful.
Analysts caution that while the deal marks progress, it will likely face political challenges, particularly from nations skeptical of Iran’s intentions. Nonetheless, the accord could help ease tensions between Tehran and Western powers while strengthening the IAEA’s role in global nuclear oversight.
