Key points
- Grossi holds discussions in Tehran
- Araqchi to visit Beijing in coming days
- Iran urges the US to be realistic
ISLAMABAD: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi has said ahead of a second round of talks between the US and Iran that the US nuclear watchdog should play a role in ensuring a positive outcome.
“I am also in contact with the American negotiator to see how the agency can be a bridge between Iran and the US, and help achieve a positive outcome in the negotiations,” Grossi said, adding that verification by the IAEA would be required to make any nuclear deal valid.
Grossi, who arrived in Tehran on Wednesday, held discussions with Iran’s foreign minister and nuclear chief over how the IAEA can support Iran-US nuclear talks, according to Reuters.
Intensive day of discussions in Tehran today with Iran’s Vice President and Head of @aeoi_ir Mohammad Eslami, and Deputy Foreign Minister @Gharibabadi. pic.twitter.com/3DEbAQe86C
— Rafael Mariano Grossi (@rafaelmgrossi) April 17, 2025
US President Donald Trump has threatened to bomb Iran if the talks fail.
Uranium enrichment limits
In 2018, Trump withdrew the US from a 2015 nuclear pact between Iran and major world powers, leading Iran to subsequently surpass that deal’s uranium enrichment limits and limit the IAEA’s oversight.
In February, the IAEA released a report saying the current situation is “of serious concern” as Tehran is enriching uranium to up to 60 per cent purity, near weapons grade. Tehran has long denied seeking nuclear weapons.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on Friday, on the eve of a second round of talks with the Trump administration, that Iran believes reaching an agreement on its nuclear programme with the United States is possible as long as Washington is realistic.
Seriousness of intent
“If they demonstrate seriousness of intent and do not make unrealistic demands, reaching agreements is possible,” Araqchi told a news conference in Moscow after talks with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov of Russia.
According to Radio Free Europe, the second will take place in Rome, while Omani diplomats will continue to mediate the talks.
