WANA (Apr 29) – Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and Jean-Noël Barrot, France’s Foreign Minister, held a joint press conference early Tuesday following a closed-door session of the United Nations Security Council on nuclear non-proliferation and also discussed about Iran.

 

Grossi: “We Are at a Critical Juncture”

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi emphasized the urgency of the moment, stating, “We are at a critical juncture. As you know, Iran and the United States are engaged in significant talks. At the same time, I am in contact with [Iranian official] Araghchi and [U.S. envoy] Steve Witkoff to ensure the Agency can provide the necessary technical frameworks and safeguards for oversight.”

 

Grossi warned, “Without the Agency’s monitoring, any agreement is merely a piece of paper. We need to reach a result within weeks—this is achievable. We must avoid military escalation in the Middle East and globally. Diplomacy is within reach.”

 

France Backs U.S.-Iran Talks but Warns of JCPOA Deadline

Responding to a question about a potential U.S.-Iran bilateral agreement without European involvement, Foreign Minister Barrot said, “Preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons is in Europe’s interest. We support direct talks between Iran and the United States and are closely coordinating with Marco Rubio and Steve Witkoff.”

 

Barrot cautioned, “We are approaching the final days of the JCPOA’s timeline. Europe has remained committed to the nuclear deal. This summer, we will face a major decision—whether to reinstate lifted sanctions on Iran. That decision will depend entirely on Iran’s commitments.”

 

He went on to claim, “Iran is seeking nuclear weapons and has violated all commitments related to uranium enrichment. If European security interests cannot be guaranteed, all sanctions lifted 10 years ago will return.”

 

However, Barrot also acknowledged that both Iran and the U.S. have demonstrated a willingness to reach “a sustainable and verifiable agreement that would place clear limits on Iran’s nuclear program.”

 

He added, “We also call on Iran to reduce its destabilizing activities in the region. We hope the ongoing negotiations will bear fruit and lead to concrete outcomes.”

 

Grossi: Iran Still Under IAEA Inspection, But Transparency Lost

Addressing questions about recent discussions with Iranian officials and the status of Iran-IAEA cooperation, Grossi clarified, “Let me be clear—we remain present in Iran, and Iranian facilities are still under inspection. What we have lost is the level of transparency we previously had. In my talks with Iranian authorities, I have outlined the necessary steps to restore that transparency.”

 

Grossi continued, “These issues are interconnected. The bilateral negotiations between Iran and the United States and the cooperation between Iran and the Agency are linked. These two tracks can either reinforce or undermine each other. Our hope is to see simultaneous progress on both fronts.”

 

When asked about specific agreements reached with Iran, Grossi responded, “Iranian officials have affirmed their readiness to take the required steps. But they are also aware that issues such as surveillance cameras, inspector access, and many other matters must be resolved. I hope they will choose the right path.”