UN nuclear watchdog calls on Iran to reengage on nuclear issues as western powers seek UN referral

According to a report by the Times of Israel on Monday September 7, 2026, International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi has called on Iran to resume cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog, warning that renewed access to key nuclear facilities could have significant consequences as Western countries prepare to seek a referral of Tehran to the United Nations Security Council.

Grossi said allowing IAEA inspectors back into important nuclear sites would be a positive development for Iran. The agency has been unable to access several key facilities since Israel, later joined by the United States, fought a 12-day conflict with Iran in June 2025 that included attacks on nuclear installations.

Nuclear sites have also been damaged during the latest war, which began on February 28. Since then, the IAEA has repeatedly pressed Tehran to restore access and provide information about the condition and status of its nuclear programme.

“The best, shortest way for a positive outcome is for Iran to engage with us,” Grossi said at a press conference following the opening of the IAEA Board of Governors’ quarterly meeting.

The appeal comes as the United States, Britain, France and Germany prepare a draft resolution that would seek to refer Iran to the UN Security Council over what the countries describe as Tehran’s failure to meet its nuclear reporting obligations.

The proposed resolution, seen by AFP, would ask Grossi to transmit the measure to members of the nuclear agency as well as the UN Security Council and General Assembly.

Grossi indicated that the diplomatic work between the IAEA and Iran would continue regardless of whether the resolution is adopted. He also stressed that restoring serious dialogue and securing access to nuclear facilities would be important steps toward resolving the dispute.

In a statement issued before the board meeting, the IAEA chief described the prolonged lack of contact with Iranian authorities as regrettable. He maintained that the outstanding nuclear questions would remain unresolved unless the agency was allowed to carry out the necessary inspections and return to the affected sites.

The dispute places additional pressure on Tehran at a time when its nuclear programme remains at the centre of international concern. For the IAEA, restoring access is seen as essential to determining what has happened at Iran’s nuclear facilities and clarifying outstanding questions about its activities.

COURTESY: Stan2556