WANA (Apr 19) – A source close to the Iranian negotiating team in Rome has dismissed reports linking the visit of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi to Rome with the ongoing indirect talks between Iran and the United States.

 

As the second round of indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States kicks off in Italy, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, announced his presence in Rome.

 

Grossi took to the social platform X on Saturday to share an update, writing: “Met Antonio Tajani (Italy’s FM) today in Rome. I welcome Italy’s constructive and increasingly relevant role in support of peace at a critical moment when diplomacy is much needed.”

 

The source clarified that Grossi had visited Tehran last week, where he held extensive discussions with senior Iranian officials. “There are no plans for him to meet with the Iranian delegation in Rome,” the source said.

 

The official also emphasized that only the delegations from Iran, the United States, and Oman are present at the venue of the current negotiations, rejecting any involvement from other parties.

 

Last week, Grossi traveled to Tehran and met with Iran’s Foreign Minister and the head of the Atomic Energy Organization, Eslami. While welcoming the Iran-U.S. indirect talks, the IAEA chief expressed the agency’s readiness to assist within the framework of its legal mandate and responsibilities under the IAEA Statute.