The head of the United Nations’ nuclear agency affirmed on Wednesday that inspectors would visit Iranian nuclear enrichment sites under an interim deal aimed at ending hostilities, while Iranian officials maintained that such inspections would only occur after a comprehensive final agreement is reached. This dispute over the timing of inspections underscored ongoing tensions between the two nations just days after signing a memorandum of understanding.

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director Rafael Mariano Grossi acknowledged the “war of words” surrounding Iran’s nuclear program and stressed the agency’s critical role in monitoring the country’s nuclear activities. Speaking at Japan’s tsunami-affected Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, Grossi highlighted that the memorandum signed by the United States and Iran explicitly mandates IAEA supervision of nuclear material facilities, including inspections of enrichment sites. “Whether this happens the day after tomorrow or in one week or in 10 days, it’s important, but not essential. This is going to happen,” he said.

Since a 12-day war involving Israel and Iran in 2025, Tehran has prevented the IAEA from accessing uranium enrichment sites. Iran is believed to have amassed enough highly enriched uranium to potentially build up to 10 nuclear weapons, though Iranian officials insist their nuclear program is for peaceful purposes. Iran remains the only country enriching uranium up to 60% purity without having a weapons program.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi rejected Grossi’s statements, emphasizing that inspections and other nuclear issues will be resolved only within the framework of a final agreement and following practical measures from the other side to lift sanctions. Gharibabadi accused the agency of attempting to “stir up and take over” through media-driven pressure and noted that recent discussions between Iran and Grossi did not occur during Grossi’s recent trip to Switzerland.

The memorandum outlines a 60-day window to finalize details of the deal. It calls for Iran’s highly enriched uranium stockpile to be downblended and waives certain U.S.-supported sanctions on Iranian oil. However, public disagreements between the two countries’ leaders have persisted, with officials continuing to negotiate in the public eye, heightening concerns about destabilizing an already fragile ceasefire.

The ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed militia in Lebanon, has been tenuous. On Wednesday, Israel conducted its first airstrike in southern Lebanon since the ceasefire took effect last Saturday, killing two people, according to Lebanese state media. There was no immediate response from the Israeli military. Israel’s Defense Minister stated that the U.S. has not requested Israeli troop withdrawals from Lebanon, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu affirmed maintaining the security zone in southern Lebanon for the duration of his tenure. Meanwhile, Lebanese and Israeli officials are engaged in direct talks in Washington aimed at establishing a framework for Israeli withdrawal.

Technical-level talks between the U.S. and Iran are expected to resume early next week in Switzerland, with Pakistan acting as a key mediator in the negotiations.

The interim deal also involves unfreezing billions of dollars in Iranian assets. U.S. officials have proposed that released funds be spent on American agricultural products, a condition disputed by Iranian representatives who maintain they should control expenditures. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that the Treasury would oversee the use of funds from a base in Qatar, expecting Iran to allocate a significant portion toward purchasing U.S. food and medicine. Secretary of State Marco Rubio embarked on a Gulf tour to reassure regional allies, emphasizing that the U.S. will not take actions undermining their security. This tour included announcements of a limited reopening of the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait, which was closed during the 2025 conflict. Rubio also highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen Lebanon’s military control over its territory as part of a broader stabilization process.