FM Araghchi Urges IAEA to Prioritize Technical Issues for Enhanced Nuclear Oversight

In a significant diplomatic move, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi engaged in talks with Rafael Grossi, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), during his official two-day visit to Tehran. This meeting highlights Iran’s commitment to fostering cooperation with the IAEA while addressing crucial aspects of its peaceful nuclear program.

During their discussions, Araqchi reiterated Iran’s steadfast policy of engaging with the IAEA, emphasizing the necessity for the agency to uphold its professional and technical responsibilities. He urged the IAEA to remain unaffected by external pressures that could compromise its integrity. Here are some key points from the meeting:

• Commitment to International Obligations: Iran’s Foreign Minister reaffirmed the nation’s dedication to interacting with the IAEA within the framework of international legal obligations.
• Professional Integrity: Araqchi stressed the importance of the IAEA maintaining its technical and professional roles without succumbing to unjustified external pressures.
• Clear Stance on Threats: He called for the IAEA to adopt a transparent position regarding threats against Iran’s peaceful nuclear facilities.

In addition to these points, Araqchi provided Grossi with an update on the ongoing negotiations between Iran and the United States, which are being mediated by Oman. These discussions focus on the lifting of sanctions and the broader nuclear issue, indicating a potential thaw in relations that could pave the way for future cooperation.

Grossi expressed his satisfaction and gratitude for the opportunity to meet with Iranian officials. He highlighted the importance of ongoing interaction and collaboration between Iran and the IAEA, which is crucial for addressing outstanding issues effectively. Some of his remarks included:

• Support for Indirect Talks: Grossi welcomed the commencement of indirect discussions between Iran and the United States and announced the IAEA’s full support for these negotiations.
• Hope for Resolution: He expressed optimism that these talks would lead to a positive outcome for both parties involved.

Furthermore, Grossi is scheduled to engage in discussions with Mohammad Eslami, the head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), on Thursday, aiming to further solidify the relationship and address any lingering concerns related to Iran’s nuclear activities.

In a follow-up post on X, Grossi described his discussions in Tehran as “important,” underscoring the necessity of cooperation with the IAEA. He stated, “Cooperation with IAEA is indispensable to provide credible assurances about the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear programme at a time when diplomacy is urgently needed.” This statement reflects the urgency and importance of diplomatic engagement in the current geopolitical climate.

As these discussions unfold, the international community is closely monitoring the situation, recognizing the potential implications for global peace and security. The interaction between Iran and the IAEA could serve as a crucial step toward de-escalating tensions and fostering a more stable environment in the region.

In conclusion, the meeting between Abbas Araqchi and Rafael Grossi underscores the ongoing efforts to maintain dialogue concerning Iran’s nuclear program. The emphasis on cooperation, transparency, and professionalism by both parties is a promising sign of potential progress in resolving outstanding issues. The outcomes of these discussions could have significant ramifications, not only for Iran but also for international relations in the broader context of nuclear non-proliferation and diplomatic engagement.