WANA (Apr 23) – Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), emphasized Iran’s serious engagement in nuclear negotiations and its efforts to reach a deal. “It is good that Tehran and Washington are talking,” Grossi stated, highlighting his ongoing contact with Steve Witkoff, the U.S. envoy for Middle Eastern affairs.

 

While not a direct party to the negotiations, the IAEA chief stressed the agency’s readiness to monitor and support the implementation of any future agreement between Iran and the United States. “If a deal is reached, we will oversee its execution and stand ready to provide the necessary support to enhance its credibility,” he said.

 

Grossi clarified that the IAEA has no evidence suggesting Iran is working to develop nuclear weapons. “We are not part of the negotiations. We have no information indicating Iran is seeking to weaponize its nuclear program,” he noted.

 

The IAEA director also warned against attacks on nuclear facilities, calling them potentially disastrous. “Any attack on nuclear infrastructure would have severe consequences,” he cautioned, urging all nations, including those in the region, to join the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).

 

Iran–U.S. Indirect Talks in Muscat

The indirect nuclear talks between Iran and the United States resumed two weeks ago, with the negotiating teams having engaged twice so far through Omani mediation.

 

The next round of talks is scheduled for Saturday and will involve indirect consultations between Abbas Araghchi and Steve Witkoff, the U.S. President’s Special Envoy for West Asia.

 

Expert-level and senior-level talks will be held separately, and Iranian and U.S. experts will begin indirect discussions, passing the outcomes to senior officials. Following the technical talks, senior-level indirect negotiations will be held, led by Araghchi and Witkoff.