Iran-IAEA agreement lays out practical verification, transparency steps: Egypt to foreign diplomats

CAIRO – 11 September 2025: Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty has showcased Egypt’s diplomatic efforts regarding the Iranian nuclear file in phone calls with several Arab and European top diplomats and the US special Middle East envoy.

He reviewed the outcomes of an agreement signed by Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Cairo on Tuesday to resume their cooperation.

Abdelatty stated that the agreement lays out practical steps for verification and enhanced transparency measures, while providing a practical framework for rebuilding mutual trust between Iran and the IAEA.

The agreement also marks a starting point for a new phase in the Iran-IAEA relationship, one that is more transparent and contributes to address technical concerns, the foreign minister added.

Abdelatty’s phone calls included High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France Jean-Noël Barrot, and US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff.

To ensure coordination with Arab nations on Iranian nuclear file developments, Abdelatty also contacted Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi.

Iran and the United Nations nuclear watchdog signed an agreement in Cairo to resume cooperation following a suspension prompted by Israeli and US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in June.

Iran suspended its cooperation with the IAEA in July, following a 12-day war triggered by Israel’s bombing of nuclear and military facilities on June 13, including the assassination of senior military officials and nuclear scientists.

Tensions escalated further when the United States confirmed that it had struck key Iranian nuclear sites at Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan during the war.

The Israel-Iran war concluded with a ceasefire announced by US President Donald Trump, which came into effect two days after the US strikes, ending intense hostilities that caused fatalities in both countries.

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi hailed the agreement as “a positive step toward de-escalation” as he received Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and IAEA’s Director General Rafael Grossi on Tuesday.

President Sisi stated that the agreement would help “persuade the concerned parties to refrain from any escalatory steps and pave the way for diplomacy and dialogue, ultimately leading to a return to the negotiating table and a peaceful settlement of the Iranian nuclear program.”

He emphasized the importance of implementing the agreement, restoring cooperation between Iran and the IAEA, and engaging all relevant stakeholders to restart negotiations.