UN nuclear watchdog chief visits Iran for talks

Nov 14, 2024 - 01:39
UN nuclear watchdog chief visits Iran for talks
UN nuclear watchdog chief visits Iran for talks

UN atomic watchdog chief Rafael Grossi arrived in Iran for talks, Iranian state media reported, a day after he appealed to Iran's leadership to take steps to resolve long standing issues with his agency over its nuclear program.

Iran's state news agency showed a video of Grossi meeting the spokesperson for Tehran's state atomic energy agency, Behrouz Kamalvandi, after his arrival.

The International Atomic Energy Agency head has for months sought progress with Iran on issues including a push for more monitoring cooperation at nuclear sites and an explanation of uranium traces found at undeclared sites.

But little has come from Grossi's efforts and with the return of President-elect Donald Trump, who is widely expected to restore a maximum-pressure policy on Iran, Grossi's trip should provide indications of how Iran wants to proceed in the coming months.

Also Grossi met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Mohammad Eslami, with a scheduled meeting with President Masoud Pezeshkian to follow.Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told International Atomic Energy Agency Chief Rafael Grossi that Iran will never negotiate ‘under pressure and intimidation’ during a meeting in Tehran.

In a post on his X account, Araghchi said that Iran will continue their full cooperation with the IAEA.

“Iran has never left the negotiation table on its peaceful nuclear program. The ball is in the EU/E3 court. Willing to negotiate based on our national interest and our inalienable rights, but NOT ready to negotiate under pressure and intimidation,” Araghchi added.

Grossi has for months sought progress with Iran on issues including a push for more monitoring cooperation at nuclear sites and an explanation of uranium traces found at undeclared sites.

But little has come from Grossi's efforts and with the return of President-elect Donald Trump, Grossi's trip should provide indications of how Iran wants to proceed in the coming months.