IAEA Chief Rafael Grossi Visits Tehran for High-Stakes Negotiations on Nuclear Monitoring
Iran expressed its willingness to engage in negotiations with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) regarding its nuclear program but emphasized it will not do so “under pressure and intimidation.” This statement came during IAEA chief Rafael Grossi’s visit to Tehran, where he held discussions with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
Araghchi described their exchange as “important and straightforward” in a post on social media platform X, reiterating that Iran remains at the negotiation table for a peaceful nuclear program. However, he stressed that the country would only negotiate based on its “national interest & inalienable rights.” Grossi, in turn, emphasized the need for “concrete, tangible and visible results” from Iran to satisfy international monitoring requirements.
Iranian officials signaled a desire for “mutually constructive” dialogue, while cautioning against any resolution by the IAEA’s board of governors that could interfere with Iran’s nuclear activities. Mohammad Eslami, head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization, stated that “immediate countermeasures” would follow any actions deemed as interference.
This visit by Grossi is set against the backdrop of increased tensions and uncertainty as U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who previously withdrew the U.S. from the 2015 nuclear agreement, prepares to take office again. Trump’s “maximum pressure” policy could return, adding new complexities to the nuclear discussions.
According to Al Jazeera’s Resul Serdar, hopes for a breakthrough remain low due to significant mistrust between Iran and the IAEA. Serdar noted that Iran has accused the IAEA of politicizing the process and alleged interference from third-party countries, particularly Israel. Simultaneously, the IAEA has accused Iran of blocking nuclear inspector accreditation, further complicating relations.
Grossi’s mission includes addressing issues like enhanced monitoring cooperation and unresolved traces of uranium found at undeclared sites in Iran. Although Iran continues to deny intentions of developing nuclear weapons, it has been enriching uranium up to 60 percent purity—approaching the 90 percent level required for a nuclear weapon.
In September, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian told the UN General Assembly he seeks to open a “constructive” chapter in Iran’s relations with the international community. Grossi’s visit could provide insights into how Iran intends to proceed amid the changing geopolitical landscape.