IRANIAN intelligence uncovered 'surveillance microchips' left behind by IAEA nuclear inspectors.

The claim that Iranian intelligence uncovered 'surveillance microchips' left behind by IAEA nuclear inspectors is primarily based on statements from Iranian officials and lawmakers. According to multiple reports, including statements from a senior Iranian lawmaker and an Iranian MP, microchips were allegedly found concealed in the shoes of IAEA inspectors during visits to nuclear sites.ifpnews.comifpnews.comIranian MP: Suspicious Microchips Found In Shoes Of IAEA Inspectorsnytimes.comnytimes.comNuclear Inspectors Leave Iran After Cooperation Halted With U.N. Watchdog

These officials question the purpose of such devices and accuse the IAEA of acting on intelligence from hostile sources, particularly Israel. However, there is no independent or third-party confirmation of these findings. The IAEA has not publicly acknowledged any such discovery or surveillance device left behind by its inspectors.

Furthermore, reputable international news sources and official IAEA statements do not corroborate these allegations. The context includes heightened tensions between Iran and the IAEA amid halted cooperation and Iran restricting access to nuclear sites.iaea.orgiaea.orgVerification and Monitoring in Iran Given the politically charged environment and lack of transparent evidence, these claims appear to be part of a broader narrative by Iranian authorities to challenge the credibility of the IAEA inspections.

Therefore, while Iranian officials assert the presence of surveillance microchips, the absence of independent verification or acknowledgment by the IAEA renders the claim misleading as it presents unconfirmed accusations as fact.