Iran has proposed allowing inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to return to its nuclear facilities in exchange for relief from sanctions imposed on the country. The proposal was made during private talks between Iranian diplomats and European and Middle Eastern diplomats in New York. According to diplomats familiar with the discussions, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi made the offer during meetings on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.
The proposal comes as Iran faces increasing economic pressure due to US and international sanctions, as well as a US naval blockade near the Strait of Hormuz, which has impacted the country's ability to export oil. Iran's annual inflation rate is approaching 90%, and the Iranian rial has depreciated by around 30% against the US dollar. The economic pressures have led Iran to seek relief from sanctions.
Araghchi also reportedly asked European countries to reverse their decision to reimpose wide-ranging sanctions on Iran under the "snapback" mechanism, which reinstated UN sanctions last year. However, European officials have so far refused to meet this demand. The snapback mechanism has had a significant impact on Iran's economy.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian recently stated that Iran is willing to allow IAEA inspectors to return to the country. This statement comes amid ongoing disputes over the details of a previous agreement between Iran and the US. The US claims that a memorandum of understanding was reached in June, which included Iran's agreement to allow inspectors to return.
However, Iranian officials have disputed this interpretation, stating that the text did not include such a condition. Subsequent rounds of negotiations between the two sides have not resulted in a final agreement. Some Iranian officials believe that reaching an agreement before the US midterm elections in November is unlikely.
The US is seeking clear Iranian commitments to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to shipping and to make concessions on its nuclear program in exchange for potential sanctions relief. Iran has proposed opening the strait to shipping within seven days if the US meets certain demands. However, US President Donald Trump rejected the proposal.
Iran says that lifting the naval blockade and sanctions is a prerequisite for allowing more ships to pass through the strait. The US continues to apply economic and naval pressure on Iran. The proposal to allow inspectors to return to Iran's nuclear facilities could be a step towards resolving the impasse.
Key points
- Iran proposes allowing nuclear inspectors to return to its facilities in exchange for sanctions relief.
- The proposal comes as Iran faces increasing economic pressure due to US and international sanctions.
- The US and European countries have not yet accepted the proposal.
