WANA (Apr 17) – Mohammad Eslami, Head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), and Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), concluded a new round of discussions in Tehran on Thursday morning aimed at resolving outstanding issues between the two sides. Following their meeting, the two officials spoke briefly to a limited group of reporters.

 

Eslami emphasized that Iran expects the IAEA to maintain neutrality and act professionally in all its dealings. “We urge that no language or elements be used in agency reports that could be misused by Iran’s adversaries or destructive media campaigns against the Islamic Republic,” he said, adding that Grossi shared this view and acknowledged Iran’s concerns.

 

March 2023 Joint Statement Remains a Foundation

Regarding the future of Iran-IAEA cooperation, Eslami noted that progress has been made based on the March 2023 joint statement. “The advancements we’ve achieved since that agreement are significant and should not be downplayed,” he stated.

 

He further stressed Iran’s commitment to continuing the implementation of the March agreement. “We are determined to follow through on the remaining issues within the same framework,” Eslami said, announcing that his deputy will meet with Grossi’s deputy in Tehran in the coming days to pursue practical steps toward resolution.

Mohammad Eslami, Head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), and Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). April 17, 2025. Social media/ WANA News Agency

For his part, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, praised Iran’s peaceful nuclear advancements during his latest visit, expressing hope for a positive outcome in ongoing nuclear negotiations.

 

“I was deeply impressed by Iran’s peaceful nuclear achievements,” Grossi said, following a meeting with Mohammad Eslami, head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization. “Today, I had the opportunity to participate in a very constructive meeting with Mr. Eslami, and yesterday, I held a candid and in-depth discussion with Foreign Minister Dr. Araghchi. We talked about how the Agency can support the ongoing negotiations.”

 

Acknowledging the complexities ahead, Grossi emphasized that the negotiation path would not be straightforward. “There are certainly those who would prefer these talks not to succeed. However, if we are to achieve peace, we must continue our efforts.”

 

He noted the critical nature of any agreement involving nuclear technology, stating that “such agreements are highly sensitive and must be credible—something only possible through the cooperation and presence of the IAEA.”

 

Grossi also highlighted the importance of Iran’s perspective in the negotiation process. “It is important for us to take Iran’s views into account and play an active role in the evolution of the talks.”

 

Referring to his visit to a nuclear exhibition in Iran, Grossi concluded, “What I saw at this exhibition is precisely what is needed for the peaceful use of nuclear energy—especially in the fields of energy, health, and medicine.”

 

Grossi arrived in Tehran on Wednesday, marking his second visit during the current administration. He met Iran’s FM, Araghchi, and on Thursday, he met with Eslami at the headquarters of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran as part of efforts to bolster technical cooperation and reduce tensions over Iran’s nuclear activities.