US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi in Washington ahead of the agency’s Board of Governors meeting in Vienna, scheduled from September 8 to 12.
During the talks, Rubio reaffirmed Washington’s support for the IAEA’s role in ensuring nuclear safety, security, and safeguards worldwide, with particular focus on Iran and Ukraine. He stressed the United States’ commitment to advancing peaceful uses of nuclear energy while preventing the spread of nuclear weapons.
In a post on X, Rubio said: “Reaffirmed U.S. support for the @iaeaorg in my meeting with Director General @rafaelmgrossi. We discussed ways to promote global nuclear safety, security, and safeguards—including IAEA efforts to monitor Iran. The U.S. is committed to advancing the peaceful uses of nuclear energy and preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons.”
The US State Department confirmed that discussions covered safety concerns at Ukrainian nuclear facilities and ongoing verification work in Iran. Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott added that Rubio reiterated Washington’s “strong support” for the IAEA’s mission.
Grossi, meanwhile, welcomed the US commitment, posting: “Timely and important exchange with @StateDept’s @SecRubio today in Washington, D.C., on @IAEAorg’s work in Iran & Ukraine and strong US-IAEA cooperation as nuclear innovation advances. Grateful for continued support to our mission for peace.”
Alongside his meeting with Grossi, Rubio also held discussions with French, German, and UK foreign ministers—Jean-Noël Barrot, Johann Wadephul, and David Lammy—focusing on Iran’s nuclear activities. All parties reaffirmed their determination to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Meanwhile, Iran’s foreign minister told Al Jazeera that while IAEA inspectors had entered the country with the approval of its Supreme National Security Council, this “does not mark the resumption of full cooperation” with the UN nuclear watchdog.
Separately, the IAEA confirmed that its chief Rafael Grossi has been placed under special protection by Austria’s Cobra police unit following an unidentified threat, Anadolu Agency reported.
