Tehran and the UN's nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said Wednesday that they had reached an agreement to allow the agency the access it has requested to two sites in Iran.  

"Iran is voluntarily providing the IAEA with access to the two locations specified by the IAEA," IAEA chief Rafael Grossi and Iran's nuclear chief Ali Akbar Salehi said in a joint statement.

The statement said the dates for the inspections had been agreed on but did not say when they would occur.

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"Both sides recognize the independence, impartiality and professionalism of the IAEA continue to be essential in the fulfillment of its verification activities,” the statement said.

The IAEA wants Iran to let its inspectors into the sites because the agency suspects they could still host undeclared nuclear material or traces of it. 

Speaking to Grossi on Wednesday, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani stressed that Iran will continue its cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog.

"Iran, like before, is ready to cooperate with the IAEA," Rouhani said, according to state TV.

Iran said Grossi's visit was unrelated to the U.S.' move at the UN Security Council last week to reinstate UN sanctions against Tehran lifted under its 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, from which the United States has withdrawn.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Thursday submitted Washington's demand for the return of all pre-2015 UN sanctions against Iran. But the overwhelming majority of security council members hold that the U.S.' move does not constitute a "notification" as envisaged in Security Council Resolution 2231, which endorsed the Iran nuclear deal.

The president of the security council said Tuesday that he will not take any action on a purported U.S. notification for a "snapback" mechanism on sanctions against Iran.

Iranian officials have called on the IAEA to "distance itself from political pressure by other countries," arguing that the agency is seeking access to the sites based on intelligence from Israel, its arch-enemy. 

China welcomes the decision and hopes the two sides will meet each other halfway, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian on Thursday.

Zhao reiterated China's opposition against unilateral sanctions, calling on all parties to play a constructive role and settle disputes through equal dialogue and consultation.

We urge all relevant parties to stick to the correct direction and firmly uphold the Security Council Resolution 2231, added Zhao.

(With input from agencies)