Iran’s nuclear sites remain off-limits for IAEA inspections, says chief

Iran’s nuclear chief, Mohammad Eslami, has stated that the country remains in a wartime situation, and its nuclear sites are not yet secured for inspections. In a statement to state media, Eslami emphasized that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) cannot conduct inspections until a proper protocol is established. This comes amidst ongoing tensions following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in 2025 and 2026. The Iranian stance has resulted in restricted IAEA access, with only limited inspections allowed at certain unaffected facilities. Key Takeaways Eslami’s comments suggest a decreased likelihood of IAEA inspections at key Iranian nuclear sites in the near term. Market pricing has shown a significant decrease in the probability of inspections occurring before August 31, now at 0.4% YES. The statement aligns with a broader trend of decreasing odds for IAEA access, reflecting ongoing geopolitical tensions. What to Watch Observers will be attentively monitoring any developments from the IAEA or Iranian officials regarding inspection protocols. Additionally, potential diplomatic moves or resolutions from the UN Security Council could impact the situatio...