Officials attend the opening of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference at the agency's headquarters in Vienna, Austria, September 15, 2025. Photo: REUTERS/Lisa Leutner

At the opening session of the 69th IAEA General Conference in Vienna (Austria) on Monday, Director General Rafael Grossi stressed that resuming inspections of Iran’s nuclear facilities is “extremely important.” He said this would be “a positive signal” that dialogue and agreements based on mutual understanding remain possible despite political obstacles.

Mohammad Eslami, head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization, reaffirmed that Tehran remains a member of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), even though Iran’s parliament previously passed a law prohibiting cooperation with the IAEA. He said a “new definition” of cooperation terms is needed - one that takes Iran’s legitimate security concerns into account.

During the conference, which runs until Friday, delegates will review the 2024 Annual Report, discuss the 2026 budget, and examine pressing issues ranging from nuclear safety and security in Ukraine and the Middle East to North Korea’s nuclear program.