Trump special envoy Steve Witkoff reportedly told lawmakers that Iran is expected to invite U.N. nuclear inspectors to examine its nuclear sites and help locate material buried during U.S. strikes.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Iran is expected to invite United Nations nuclear inspectors to review its nuclear operations and help recover nuclear material buried by U.S. strikes, according to a report citing comments from Trump special envoy Steve Witkoff.
Witkoff told lawmakers Thursday that Tehran would soon allow inspectors connected to the International Atomic Energy Agency to examine its nuclear sites, The Associated Press reported, citing two people familiar with the conversation.
The IAEA is responsible for U.N. oversight of nuclear activity.
The expected invitation comes after the United States and Iran signed a 14-point memorandum of understanding intended to end the Iran war, which began in late February. The agreement includes a provision stating that Iran will not pursue a nuclear weapon.
The development could give the Trump administration a significant point of progress as it defends the agreement against scrutiny from Republican lawmakers and Israeli officials.
The U.S. entered the conflict with the stated goal of stopping Iran from developing a nuclear weapon. If Iran permits U.N. inspectors to access nuclear facilities and assist with locating buried material, the move would provide an early test of Tehran’s willingness to comply with the framework.
The memorandum has drawn criticism over its terms, including questions about sanctions relief, regional security and whether the agreement will be honored in Lebanon. Israeli officials have suggested that Israel may not abide by ceasefire-related language involving Lebanon if they believe their security needs require continued military action.
Still, the reported plan for Iran to bring in inspectors would address one of the central issues in the agreement: international verification of Iran’s nuclear activity.
The 14-point memorandum is intended to begin a broader negotiating process between Washington and Tehran. The inspection issue is likely to be a key part of that next phase, particularly as lawmakers and U.S. allies seek assurances that Iran’s nuclear program remains constrained and subject to outside monitoring.
If carried out, the inspection invitation would mark one of the first concrete steps by Iran after signing the memorandum.
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