Iran FM signs preliminary deal with IAEA chief in Cairo amid diplomatic push
The announcement of the agreement comes less than two weeks after the European signatories to the 2015 Iran nuclear deal triggered snapback sanctions, which will likely mean the automatic reimposition of UN sanctions on Iran within 30 days.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi signed a deal with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director-General Rafael Grossi in Cairo on Tuesday, as Iran moves to avoid a looming sanctions deadline.
Grossi said the two agreed “on practical modalities to resume inspection activities in Iran,” though it remains unclear whether this will lead to an immediate resumption of inspections or serve as a step toward further negotiations.
In Cairo today, agreed with Iran’s Foreign Minister @araghchi on practical modalities to resume inspection activities in Iran. This is an important step in the right direction.
— Rafael Mariano Grossi (@rafaelmgrossi) September 9, 2025
Grateful to Egypt’s @MfaEgypt Badr Abdelatty for his commitment and engagement. pic.twitter.com/ATg4AtH6C3
In a press conference following the meeting, Araghchi said that the agreement "establishes a practical mechanism for cooperation that reflects both Iran’s exceptional security conditions and the Agency’s technical requirements. It also ensures that cooperation continues in a manner that respects Iran’s national sovereignty and fulfills the Agency’s verification requirements."
He added, however, that "should any hostile action be taken against Iran, including the reinstatement of revoked UN Security Council resolutions, Iran will consider these agreed practical steps null and void."
