On Tuesday, the head of the UN’s nuclear watchdog said that some nuclear inspectors previously expelled from Iran had returned to the country following talks between Iran and European signatories to the 2015 nuclear deal.  

Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), told Fox News on Tuesday that a team of inspectors had returned to Iran — the first such confirmation since the country expelled inspectors in July after its parliament passed a law halting cooperation with the oversight body. 

"We are holding discussions with [Iranian officials]. Now, the first group of IAEA inspectors has returned to Iran, and we are preparing to resume [inspections]," Grossi said.

Grossi’s remarks seemed to confirm a report by Amwaj media, which stated that inspectors are back in the country but added that the inspectors are still awaiting approval from Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) to resume their activities. It is unclear how many inspectors departed or have returned. 

In late July, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed into law a bill that barred IAEA inspectors from entering the country to inspect Iranian nuclear sites unless the SNSC determines that the security of the nation’s nuclear facilities and personnel is fully guaranteed. The law also outlines that in order for Iran to cooperate with the IAEA, the organization needs to formally recognize Iran's right to enrich uranium under the Non-Proliferation Treaty. Two days after the bill became law, IAEA inspectors left Iran, according to an IAEA statement.