Iran, IAEA Agree to Resume Nuclear Cooperation Amid Sanctions

Iran has agreed to resume cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on nuclear inspections following meetings involving Egyptian, Iranian, and IAEA officials aimed at de-escalating tensions and fostering regional security. Concurrently, reports indicate that Iran has decided to restart nuclear negotiations with the United States for the first time since the recent war with Israel, although these reports have not yet been officially confirmed. The ongoing conflict saw Israeli and U.S. strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities, intensifying international pressure, particularly from France, Germany, and the UK, which have begun reimposing sanctions through the UN's snapback mechanism due to Iran's nuclear activities. Iran seeks to delay the reactivation of these sanctions and denies pursuing nuclear weapons, while the 2015 agreement designed to limit Iran's nuclear program is set to expire soon. Egypt has played a mediating role, facilitating dialogue among Iran, the U.S., and European powers to achieve a diplomatic resolution and restore confidence in the region. These developments unfold amid broader geopolitical tensions involving the U.S. withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal under President Donald Trump, which led to Iran's suspension of cooperation with the nuclear watchdog and escalation in nuclear development.