Iran may expel United Nations nuclear inspectors or relocate its enriched uranium to undisclosed sites if external threats persist, a senior Iranian official warned, escalating concerns about the future of nuclear oversight in the region.
Ali Shamkhani, advisor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and a key figure in Iran’s national security establishment, made the remarks in a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday. His comments followed a warning by U.S. President Donald Trump, who threatened military action if Iran refuses to return to the negotiating table over its nuclear program.
“If threats persist, Tehran has the right to reconsider its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), including the presence of its inspectors,” Shamkhani wrote. He also suggested that Iran may transfer its stockpile of enriched uranium to hidden locations across the country as a precautionary step.
The warning comes just days ahead of renewed indirect talks between Iran and the United States, expected to take place in Oman. While Washington reportedly prefers direct engagement, Iran continues to insist on mediated discussions through Omani officials.
Iran’s relations with the IAEA have grown increasingly strained in recent months. While the country has allowed limited inspections under the 2015 nuclear deal framework, it has gradually reduced compliance following the U.S. withdrawal from the agreement in 2018 and the imposition of fresh sanctions.
The potential expulsion of IAEA inspectors would significantly undermine the international community’s ability to monitor Iran’s nuclear activities and could deepen regional instability. Western nations, including EU member states, have expressed alarm over Tehran’s moves to enrich uranium to levels close to weapons-grade.
The situation is rapidly evolving, with diplomatic efforts intensifying to avoid further escalation. A breakdown in monitoring cooperation could mark a turning point in the already fragile state of the nuclear deal.
