Iran Rejects Nuclear Inspections at Bombed Sites, Demands 'Post-War' Rules from IAEA

The doors to Iran's nuclear facilities have slammed shut. Tehran has rejected international inspections of sites bombed by the United States in June, demanding the UN's nuclear watchdog first define the rules for a 'post-war' world. The move escalates a standoff that threatens to unravel what's left of international nuclear oversight in the region.

A Demand for New Rules of Engagement

Speaking to reporters in Tehran on Wednesday, Mohammad Eslami, head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organisation, stated that Tehran won't permit inspections until the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) establishes a clear framework for such visits. "If there are established procedures for the post-war situation, the agency should announce them so that we can act accordingly," Eslami said, according to Iran's Tasnim news agency.

The ultimatum follows a 12-day war with Israel in June, during which the U.S. military bombed three major Iranian nuclear facilities—Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan. The attacks killed over 430 people, according to Iran's Ministry of Health. Eslami argued that if such attacks are not permitted under international law, like the Geneva Conventions, they must be condemned by the IAEA. After the strikes, Iran expelled IAEA inspectors, accusing the agency of failing to condemn the attacks.

Dispute Over Expired Nuclear Deal

The diplomatic friction extends to the UN Security Council, where a meeting on Tuesday highlighted a deep divide over the legal status of the now-defunct Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA). Iran's ambassador, Amir-Saeid Iravani, argued that UNSC Resolution 2231, which endorsed the deal, expired on October 18, 2025, and has "ceased to have any legal effect." This position was echoed by Russia and China.

In response, the U.S. representative, Morgan Ortagus, said Washington remains open to talks but only if Iran agrees to direct dialogue. "Foremost, there can be no enrichment inside of Iran," she asserted. Before the June escalation, five rounds of indirect talks mediated by Oman failed to produce a breakthrough.