The head of the United Nations nuclear watchdog will inspect Iranian military sites as part of a secret war deal, UK intelligence sources have confirmed. The agreement, which has been shrouded in secrecy, grants the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) unprecedented access to facilities previously off-limits to inspectors. Sources say the deal is a direct result of mounting pressure from Western powers, who have long suspected Iran of covert nuclear weapons development.
Documents obtained by this newsroom reveal that IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi will personally lead the inspection team, which is set to visit sites in central and northern Iran within weeks. The UK’s Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) intercepted communications indicating that the Iranian regime agreed to the inspections in exchange for lifting certain economic sanctions, though the specifics remain classified.
The development comes after months of backchannel negotiations between Tehran and Washington, with London acting as a go-between. A senior UK intelligence official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said: “This is a significant breakthrough. We have long known that Iran was hiding activities at these sites. Now we have a chance to verify their compliance.”
Critics warn that the deal may be a temporary concession by Iran, which has a history of obstructing IAEA inspections. In 2015, Tehran signed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), only to gradually renege on its commitments after the US withdrew in 2018. The new agreement, which has not been formally announced, is believed to include provisions for regular, unannounced inspections.
Iran’s mission to the UN did not respond to requests for comment. However, a state-affiliated news agency quoted a senior Iranian official as denying any “secret deal,” calling the reports “fabrications by Western intelligence.” The official claimed that Iran had voluntarily offered access to certain sites as a gesture of goodwill.
Analysts remain sceptical. “Iran has a track record of playing for time,” said a former IAEA inspector who requested anonymity. “They know that inspections can be delayed, and they can clean up sites in the meantime. This deal is only as good as the enforcement mechanism.”
The inspections are set to begin on December 15. The UK Foreign Office declined to comment, citing “operational sensitivities.” But a source close to the negotiations said: “The world is watching. If Iran blocks the inspectors, the consequences will be severe.”
As the deal unfolds, questions remain about the true extent of Iran’s nuclear programme. For now, the IAEA’s inspection team is preparing for what could be the most consequential mission in years. The clock is ticking.
