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What is the Iran-IAEA nuclear inspection deal?
The Iran-IAEA nuclear inspection deal, announced on September 9, 2025, is a framework that allows the IAEA to resume inspections of Iran's nuclear facilities. However, Iran's Supreme National Security Council must approve each inspection, giving Iran significant control over access. The deal follows a suspension of cooperation after Israeli and US strikes in June, and it aims to rebuild trust while addressing concerns over Iran's uranium stockpile.
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How does the deal affect Iran's uranium stockpile?
The deal is part of broader negotiations over Iran's uranium stockpile, which has raised international concerns. European powers are pushing for sanctions to curb Iran's nuclear capabilities, especially its highly enriched uranium. While the deal allows inspections, Iran remains cautious about revealing its full stockpile, and verification challenges remain, especially regarding the damaged sites.
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What are the implications of US and Israeli strikes on Iran's nuclear sites?
The strikes in June targeted Iranian nuclear facilities and led Iran to suspend cooperation with the IAEA. These attacks increased tensions and complicated diplomatic efforts. Iran has warned that activating the snapback mechanism—reimposing sanctions—would invalidate the deal, signaling ongoing mistrust and the potential for further conflict.
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Will sanctions be imposed on Iran now?
European countries are considering reimposing sanctions as part of their response to Iran's nuclear activities. However, Iran has warned that if sanctions are reactivated, it could withdraw from the deal entirely. The situation remains fluid, with diplomatic negotiations ongoing and the potential for both sanctions and de-escalation.
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What does Iran want from these negotiations?
Iran seeks to maintain sovereignty over its nuclear program while ensuring international recognition and security guarantees. It is cautious about allowing unrestricted inspections, especially after the June strikes, and wants to limit external interference while advancing its nuclear capabilities.
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What is the future of Iran's nuclear program?
The future remains uncertain. While the new deal marks progress, ongoing mistrust and recent conflicts suggest that Iran's nuclear ambitions and international oversight will continue to be contentious. Diplomatic efforts are ongoing, but tensions could escalate if trust is not rebuilt.