Geneva: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi on Thursday welcomed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran, indicating the start of technical work on implementation and verification. "I think it's good when an agreement is signed after war," Grossi told reporters in Geneva.

According to Anadolu Agency, Grossi highlighted the recognition of the IAEA's role in the memorandum as a "sound point of departure" for future work. He emphasized the importance of collaborations with both American and Iranian colleagues to formulate concrete steps needed for the agreement's implementation. Grossi noted that while the memorandum is a positive step, the technical work is just beginning.

The IAEA chief advised caution against speculation on the agreement's implementation, stressing the necessity of defining the scope of the agency's work with both parties. He assured that the IAEA would only engage in processes that are technically sound, stating, "If we do not feel that we have the technically sound basis, we would not do it."

In response to criticisms from some Iranian officials about the agency's credibility, Grossi defended the IAEA's impartiality, reinforcing that the agency's work remains unaffected by political disagreements. He remarked, "The work of the IAEA is an impartial technical work," and added that the agency's mandate is unaffected by political disputes.

Grossi concluded by emphasizing that the memorandum strengthens the agency's standing, as it acknowledges the IAEA's "indispensable role" and demonstrates confidence in the agency's work and credibility.