UN nuclear chief meets Iranian diplomat amid rising tensions

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi met with Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Thursday, marking the beginning of critical nuclear talks in Tehran.

This meeting comes just weeks before U.S. President-elect Donald Trump takes office, amid escalating tensions between Iran and Western nations.

Grossi described his meeting with Araghchi as “indispensable” on X, highlighting the urgency of finding a diplomatic solution. Araghchi, Iran’s chief negotiator in the 2015 nuclear deal, reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), stating, “We agreed to proceed with courage and good will. Iran has never left the negotiation table on its peaceful nuclear programme.”

However, Araghchi emphasized that Iran is only willing to negotiate based on “national interest” and “inalienable rights,” and not under “pressure and intimidation.” This stance underscores the challenges Grossi faces in brokering a deal.

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The 2015 nuclear deal, which Trump unilaterally abandoned in 2018, had lifted international sanctions on Iran in exchange for restrictions on its nuclear program. Since then, Iran has gradually rolled back its commitments, enriching uranium to 60% – a level alarming to international authorities.

Grossi’s visit is his second to Tehran this year, but his first since Trump’s reelection. The IAEA chief aims to prevent the situation from worsening, acknowledging significant differences between Tehran and Western capitals.

Iran has blamed Trump for the standoff, with government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani stating, “The one who left the agreement was not Iran, it was America.” The country’s president, elected in July, seeks to revive the 2015 deal, but efforts have been unsuccessful so far.

IAEA has repeatedly called for greater cooperation from Iran, which has switched off surveillance devices and barred inspectors. With tensions soaring between Israel and Iran, Grossi warned, “The margins for maneuver are beginning to shrink… it is imperative to find ways to reach diplomatic solutions.”

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