Iran Nuclear Program: Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), arrived in Tehran on Monday for a crucial visit. His agenda includes a conference on nuclear technology and meetings with Iranian officials to discuss the country’s nuclear program.
This visit comes at a time of heightened regional tensions. The IAEA has criticized Iran for lack of cooperation on inspections and other unresolved issues. Grossi is expected to propose measures to rebuild trust and increase transparency.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and the head of Iran’s nuclear program, Mohammad Eslami, are among those Grossi is scheduled to meet. Eslami has expressed hope for cooperation with the IAEA, emphasizing Iran’s commitment to transparency.
The visit coincides with Iran’s first International Conference on Nuclear Science and Technology. The event, held in Isfahan province, comes just weeks after a reported Israeli attack on a uranium enrichment plant there. Both Iran and the IAEA reported no damage to nuclear facilities after the incident.
This visit follows a period of strained relations between Iran and the IAEA. Iran has limited access for inspectors and deactivated monitoring devices at its nuclear facilities in recent years. Additionally, efforts to revive the 2015 nuclear deal have stalled.
While Iran slowed uranium enrichment last year as a gesture of goodwill, the IAEA reported a recent acceleration in production, raising concerns. Iran maintains its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only.
Grossi’s visit presents an opportunity for both sides to address concerns, particularly regarding IAEA inspectors. Iran previously withdrew the accreditation of several inspectors, citing “political abuses” by Western nations.
Eslami has argued that Iran receives a disproportionate amount of IAEA inspections compared to its share of global nuclear capacity.
This visit is a critical step towards resolving outstanding issues and potentially paving the way for renewed cooperation between Iran and the IAEA.