WANA (Apr 16) – Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), arrived in Tehran today (Wednesday) on his second visit to Iran during the country’s 14th administration. He met and held talks with Seyed Abbas Araghchi, the Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

 

The meeting, which began at 8 PM local time at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, lasted for an hour and was held mostly behind closed doors. Half of the discussions took place privately between the two senior officials.

 

According to the announced schedule, Grossi is also set to meet Mohammad Eslami, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, tomorrow (Thursday, April 17).

Araghchi, while reiterating Iran’s policy and determination to continue its engagement and cooperation with the Agency within the framework of international legal obligations, emphasized the necessity for the Agency to play its professional and technical role within the scope of its duties and responsibilities, without being influenced by undue pressure from certain parties.

 

The Iranian Foreign Minister also stressed the need for the IAEA to adopt a clear and transparent stance regarding threats against Iran’s peaceful nuclear facilities.

 

During the meeting, the Iranian Foreign Minister briefed the IAEA Director General on the ongoing talks between Iran and the United States concerning sanctions relief and the nuclear issue, which are being mediated by Oman.

 

The Director General of the IAEA, while expressing his gratitude and appreciation for the opportunity to visit Tehran, underlined the importance of continued engagement and cooperation between Iran and the Agency, as well as consultations with other parties to help create a suitable environment for resolving existing issues.

 

He also welcomed the start of indirect talks between Iran and the United States, voiced the Agency’s full support for the process, and expressed hope that the discussions would continue until a mutually satisfactory outcome is achieved.

 

On the sidelines of the meeting, Grossi condemned the recent threats by the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran’s nuclear facilities in a conversation with journalists. He warned about the environmental consequences of such actions and stressed that the IAEA is seriously monitoring the implications of these threats.

 

In response to a question about whether political pressure from some countries might affect his visit, Grossi expressed hope that the outcome of this trip—like his previous one—would be tangible and effective, and not influenced by Western media and political propaganda.

 

On another note, Seyed Abbas Araghchi commented on the ongoing indirect negotiations with the United States, stating that Oman, as the mediator, will make the final decision regarding the venue for the second round of talks. He also emphasized that the meeting with the IAEA Director General was important and strategic in the context of these negotiations.

 

Prior to his visit to Tehran, Grossi told the French publication Le Monde, “We are not a party to the negotiations between Iran and the U.S., but we are not indifferent either, since any potential agreement would require the IAEA’s validation.”

 

Following his meeting with Araghchi, Grossi wrote on his official account on X (formerly Twitter): “Meeting with Araghchi during my timely visit to Iran was important. Cooperation with the Agency is essential to provide credible assurances about the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program—especially at a time when diplomacy is urgently needed.”