Grossi Warns Iran’s Diplomatic Window Closing, Return to Damaged Nuclear Sites Hinges on Deal

According to Rokna, citing The Economist Times, Rafael Grossi, Director General of the IAEA, stated in a Thursday interview with Bloomberg TV that the agency has held discussions with Seyed Abbas Araqchi, Iran’s Foreign Minister, regarding specific proposals to inspect sites that were targeted by Israeli and US attacks in June.

Diplomatic Window Nearing Its End

Grossi, referring to his recent six-hour talks with Iranian diplomats in Geneva, said: “There is not much time left to resolve these issues, but our efforts to reach a concrete agreement continue.” He also added that the agency has presented various proposals to advance the negotiations.

Multilateral Meetings: From Iran to the United States

The IAEA Director General also mentioned his Tuesday meetings with representatives of the US government in Geneva. According to Grossi, these sessions have been an important part of efforts to achieve diplomatic solutions.

Iran’s Uranium Status Verification Suspended

The IAEA has been unable for more than eight months to verify Iran’s high-enriched uranium stockpiles and has so far not succeeded in assessing the damage inflicted on the country’s nuclear facilities.

Attacks on Nuclear Facilities by Israel and the US

On June 13, Israel carried out a series of airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear and military facilities, as well as residential areas. Subsequently, the United States bombed three main sites related to Iran’s nuclear programs. Since then, tensions between Tehran and Western powers have escalated.

Precondition for Inspecting Damaged Facilities

According to Grossi, the return of IAEA inspectors to the damaged nuclear sites in Fordow, Isfahan, and Natanz will depend on reaching a broader agreement. This issue arises amid strained relations between Tehran and the agency following suspended cooperation.

Iran’s Criticism of the Agency’s Performance

Iran has repeatedly protested the IAEA and its Director General, accusing the agency’s Board of Governors of facilitating Israeli attacks. According to senior Iranian officials, a resolution passed a day before the attacks paved the way for these actions.

Emphasis on Peaceful Nuclear Activities

Iranian officials have repeatedly emphasized that the country’s nuclear activities are entirely peaceful and that there is no intention to pursue nuclear weapons.