The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has warned that time is running out to secure a renewed agreement between Iran and the United States, despite some recent progress in talks held in Geneva.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said discussions between the two sides have moved forward “one step,” but emphasized that substantial work remains and the window for a breakthrough is narrowing.
Speaking to French television channel LCI, Grossi noted that negotiations have now shifted to “real issues,” including what concrete measures need to be taken and how both parties can proceed. The Argentine diplomat added that while there appears to be goodwill on both sides to reach an understanding, crafting a comprehensive deal remains highly complex.
The latest round of talks took place this week in Geneva, Switzerland, with mediation by Oman. The meeting marked a renewed diplomatic effort following the collapse of negotiations after a 12-day conflict in June involving Israel and the United States.
In the aftermath of that conflict, Tehran suspended parts of its cooperation with the IAEA, accusing the agency of bias and of failing to condemn attacks on its nuclear facilities. As a result, access for international inspectors to certain damaged sites was restricted.
Meanwhile, the White House on Wednesday urged Iran to consider a negotiated settlement as the “wise” course of action. On the same day, U.S. President Donald Trump again hinted at possible military action against Iran. He had first raised such threats in January following deadly unrest linked to anti-government protests in Iran.
Although diplomatic channels have reopened, Washington has maintained a heightened military presence in the Middle East, adding further sensitivity to the negotiations, analysts say.
The coming weeks are expected to be critical in determining whether diplomacy can prevail or tensions will escalate further.
