IAEA deputy chief Rafael Grossi to head to Tehran for crucial talks

Tehran: The deputy director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, is scheduled to visit Iran on Monday, according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency, citing Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi.

Araghchi made the announcement during a press briefing on the sidelines of a cabinet meeting, stating that the visit aims to facilitate negotiations between Iran and the IAEA. He noted that Iran has already provided the agency with necessary explanations regarding a new framework for bilateral cooperation, following a law passed in late June by Iran’s parliament and Constitutional Council that suspends certain collaborations.

The foreign minister emphasized that no inspections or visits to Iranian nuclear facilities are planned during Grossi’s trip, adding, “We have not yet reached a new agreement and cooperation will not begin.”

Iran decided to suspend cooperation with the IAEA after a series of Israeli-US attacks on its nuclear sites and the assassination of Iranian nuclear scientists in June. Tehran has stated it will maintain this suspension until the security of its nuclear facilities and personnel is guaranteed.

Separately, the semi-official Fars news agency reported that Massimo Aparo, IAEA’s deputy director general and head of the Department of Safeguards, will also visit Iran.

With IANS inputs