Trump says Iran has not agreed to inspections, give up enrichment
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US President Donald Trump speaking to members of the media on board Air Force One on the way to New Jersey, on July 4, 2025.
PHOTO: REUTERS
US President Donald Trump said on July 4 that Iran had not agreed to inspections of its nuclear programme or to give up enriching uranium.
He told reporters aboard Air Force One that he believed Tehran’s nuclear programme had been set back permanently, although Iran could restart it at a different location.
Mr Trump said he would discuss Iran with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu when he visits the White House on July 7.
“I would say it’s set back permanently,” Mr Trump said as he travelled to New Jersey after an Independence Day celebration at the White House.
“I would think they’d have to start at a different location. And if they did start, it would be a problem.”
Mr Trump said he would not allow Tehran to resume its nuclear programme, adding that Iran did want to meet with him.
The United Nations nuclear watchdog said on July 4 that it had pulled its last remaining inspectors from Iran as a stand-off deepens over their return to the country's nuclear facilities bombed by the United States and Israel.
The US and Israel say Iran was enriching uranium to build nuclear weapons. Tehran insists its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.
Israel launched its first military strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites in a 12-day war with the Islamic Republic three weeks ago.
The International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) inspectors have not been able to inspect Iran’s facilities since then, even though the agency’s chief Rafael Grossi has said that is his top priority.
Iran’s Parliament has passed a law suspending cooperation with the IAEA until the safety of its nuclear facilities can be guaranteed. While the IAEA says Iran has not yet formally informed it of any suspension, it is unclear when the agency’s inspectors will be able to return to Iran.
Iran has accused the agency of effectively paving the way for the bombings by issuing a damning report on May 31 that led to a resolution by the IAEA's 35-nation Board of Governors declaring Iran in breach of its non-proliferation obligations.
The US and Israeli military strikes either destroyed or badly damaged Iran's three uranium enrichment sites.
But it was less clear what has happened to much of Iran’s nine tonnes of enriched uranium, especially the more than 400kg enriched to up to 60 per cent purity, a short step from weapons grade. REUTERS