The accord was signed between Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araqchi and the United Nations nuclear watchdog’s Director-General Rafael Grossi.Speaking alongside Grossi during a press conference that followed conclusion of the agreement, Araqchi described the deal as culmination of negotiations on realization of “an understanding on how Iran’s safeguards obligations will be implemented” in light of the developments arising from the unlawful aggression. The deal features “practical steps” for implementing the safeguards and establishing a framework for continuation of the cooperation, while also addressing the Islamic Republic’s concerns regarding its security and national sovereignty, the ranking diplomat said. Additionally, the agreement guarantees Tehran’s inalienable rights to peaceful nuclear energy activities under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), while also taking into account the IAEA’s technical and verification requirements, he added. “The message is clear: Iran will never compromise on its sovereignty, rights, or security,” the minister stressed.

Iran’s positive steps leading to conclusion of the deal testify to its sustained goodwill aimed at resolution of any issues pertaining to its exclusively peaceful nuclear program through diplomacy and dialogue, Araqchi asserted. These steps, he added, also prove Tehran’s readiness to engage in genuine and meaningful dialogue for implementation of its relevant commitments. The official reminded that Iran had demonstrated its willingness to enable continued cooperation with the IAEA, despite its having been subjected to the “unjustifiable, blatant, and criminal” assault that targeted its safeguarded nuclear facilities. In exchange, Araqchi stressed, the nuclear agency and the international community had to abide by the international law, condemning the attacks that had rendered it impossible for the Islamic Republic to continue its collaboration with the body as before. “There is no precedent for cooperation between the agency and a member state under conditions where its safeguarded facilities have been deliberately attacked and damaged. “He also emphasized that the perpetrators had to be held accountable and compensate the Islamic Republic for the human and material losses of the onslaught.

Still stressing the IAEA’s reciprocal duties towards Tehran, Araqchi said, “Collaboration is not a one-way street. Alongside Iran’s commitments, the agency also bears clear responsibilities, and we expect it to fully uphold them, while maintaining its impartiality, independence, and professionalism. “The foreign minister, however, issued a stern caution against implementation of any aggressive steps against Iran, despite its goodwill gestures. “I emphasize that in the event of any hostile action against Iran, including the reinstatement of previously revoked UN Security Council resolutions, the Islamic Republic will regard these practical steps as terminated,” he stated. He was referring to an underway push by the European trio for the UK, France, and Germany aimed at reinstating the Security Council’s sanctions against Tehran. Three European states – Britain, France and Germany -- invoked the anti-Tehran snapback procedure, a clause enshrined in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).The clause reinstates pre-JCPOA era sanctions on Iran over claims of Tehran’s “significant non-compliance” with the landmark pact.The snapback mechanism, defined in UN Security Council Resolution 2231, opens 30 days before the restoration of previously terminated the sanctions against Iran.

Trying to justify their action, the European trio claims that Iran’s nuclear energy program has been “diverted towards military purposes". The claim, however, has never been verified by the UN atomic watchdog, which has carried out the most intrusive inspections of the country's nuclear facilities. Iran has declared that its nuclear program remains purely peaceful as always and that Tehran had no intention of developing nuclear weapons as a matter of an Islamic and state principle and has no hidden nuclear program. The IAEA chief, for his part, announced on X that he had agreed with the Iranian official “on practical modalities to resume inspection activities in Iran”. “This is an important step in the right direction,” Grossi added.

Iran has barred any new inspections since the onslaught by the Israeli regime and the United States in June, citing safety  concerns at damaged nuclear facilities and criticizing the IAEA’s failure to condemn the aerial attacks. Tehran has been increasingly critical of the IAEA since the onset of the Israeli war, and Iranian officials have accused the UN nuclear agency of being complicit in the US attacks against Tehran's nuclear facilities. The Islamic Republic had also filed a complaint with the UN secretary-general and president of the UN Security Council against the IAEA’s chief over his bias and lack of action in response to Israel's aggression against Tehran and its nuclear program. Finally, the Iranian Parliament passed a law mandating the government to suspend all collaboration with the IAEA. Under the law, the atomic agency’s inspectors will not be permitted to enter Iran unless the security of the country's nuclear sites and that of peaceful nuclear activities is guaranteed, which is subject to the approval of the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC). Iran has repeatedly denied seeking nuclear weapons and maintains its nuclear program is peaceful. Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei has issued an official fatwa (religious decree) clearly establishing that any form of acquisition, development, and use of nuclear weapons violate Islamic principles and are therefore forbidden.