Iran has announced it will block inspections of its nuclear facilities during a key visit by a senior International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) official, escalating tensions ahead of today’s IAEA board meeting in Vienna.

Speaking on Sunday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that no inspections will take place until a “new operational framework” is established between Tehran and the UN nuclear watchdog. He also categorically ruled out negotiations with the United States, and dismissed European nations as credible mediators.

“There will be no talks with the U.S., and no country has been selected as a mediator,” Araghchi told Iranian state media. “France, Germany, and the UK have already disqualified themselves by threatening snapback sanctions.”

Araghchi’s remarks signal a deepening rupture in Iran’s relationship with the remaining participants of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), also known as the Iran nuclear deal. The agreement, already weakened by the U.S. withdrawal in 2018 and Iran’s subsequent enrichment activity, now faces further erosion as Tehran formally halts cooperation with international inspectors.

The IAEA has expressed concern over Iran’s recent moves, warning that full transparency is essential to avoid a nuclear crisis. Despite repeated requests, Tehran has reportedly denied access to multiple sites suspected of hosting advanced centrifuge operations.

The timing of Iran’s announcement just hours before the IAEA meeting is seen by analysts as a calculated effort to pressure the agency and Western powers into accepting new terms on Iran’s timeline.

Conclusion:

With inspections suspended and diplomacy at a standstill, today’s IAEA meeting in Vienna is expected to be tense. The international community now faces growing uncertainty over Iran’s nuclear intentions, and whether a return to meaningful dialogue is still possible.