Geneva: Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held talks with Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in Geneva on Monday ahead of the next round of indirect nuclear discussions with the United States. The meeting marked a significant step in the ongoing nuclear diplomacy efforts between Iran and global powers.
According to Anadolu Agency, Grossi shared on the social media platform X that he had 'in-depth technical discussions' with Araghchi as part of the preparations for crucial negotiations scheduled to take place in Geneva on Tuesday. The Iranian delegation has not released an official statement regarding the details of the discussion at the time of this report.
Sources indicate that the talks centered around Iran-IAEA cooperation, the country's enrichment program, and the handling of 400 kg of enriched uranium. The semi-official Tasnim News Agency reported that the meeting between Araghchi and Grossi signifies the official resumption of the 'process of nuclear talks' following an initial round earlier in the month.
This round of negotiations sees the involvement of economic, legal, and technical experts alongside the Iranian delegation, showcasing Iran's 'results-oriented' approach, as noted by the agency. Earlier, Araghchi expressed his intention to engage in 'deep technical discussion' with Grossi and planned to meet his Omani counterpart, Badr Albusaidi, later.
Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmail Baghaei, stated in an interview with the state-run IRNA news agency that the negotiations would follow frameworks set by higher authorities, including the Supreme National Security Council. The discussions, initiated on February 6, are advancing within a 'fully purposeful and unified framework,' with a consensus reached between the Foreign Ministry and the top security body on how to proceed.
Baghaei highlighted the climate of 'complete suspicion and distrust' under which the negotiations are taking place, emphasizing the importance of learning from past experiences. He also underscored the critical role of the UN nuclear agency in these negotiations, affirming Iran's commitment to fulfilling its obligations under the Non-Proliferation Treaty.
The indirect nuclear diplomacy between Iran and the US resumed in Muscat on February 6 under Omani mediation, following a suspension of talks due to a previous Israeli attack on Iran. Positive assessments have emerged from both sides after the latest round of discussions, conducted amid increased tensions from the US military buildup in the Persian Gulf.
A key issue in the talks is the fate of 400 kg of enriched uranium, with reports suggesting that the US has proposed transferring it to a third country. Iran's nuclear agency head, Mohammad Eslami, stated Iran's willingness to dilute the 60 percent enriched uranium if US sanctions are entirely lifted, while dismissing the notion of transferring enriched uranium abroad as a narrative pushed by 'pressure groups' against Iran.