Iran has agreed to receive a technical team from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in the next two to three weeks, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi announced on Wednesday. The visit aims to establish a framework for cooperation, though it will not involve access to Iran’s nuclear sites.

Gharibabadi, speaking at the UN, emphasized that the Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran is currently assessing damages to its nuclear installations. He noted the visit is a goodwill gesture, despite Iran’s dissatisfaction with the IAEA’s recent actions and allegations.

Tensions between Tehran and the IAEA have grown under the leadership of Director General Rafael Grossi. Iran has accused Grossi of basing reports on Israeli-provided documents and of failing to condemn U.S. and Israeli sabotage attacks on Iranian nuclear sites.

Gharibabadi reaffirmed Iran’s right to enrich uranium based on national needs, rejecting any voluntary suspension of enrichment as a trust-building measure. “We cannot rely on third-party enforcers,” he warned, referencing past failures by Western countries to supply Iran with enriched uranium for medical research.

The Iranian diplomat also addressed the possibility of indirect talks with the U.S., saying direct negotiations are off the table. He cautioned European members of the 2015 nuclear deal (JCPOA) against triggering the snapback mechanism to reimpose sanctions, warning that Iran would respond seriously.

When asked about a potential withdrawal from the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), Gharibabadi said the option remains under consideration.

Iran’s decision to allow an IAEA visit is seen as a strategic move to keep diplomatic channels open while maintaining its defiance against what it views as unfair international pressure.