Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), met with Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi during his recent visit to Iran, where he underscored the importance of Iran’s full cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog to ensure the peaceful nature of its nuclear program.
Following the meeting, Grossi took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), stating, “Important to meet with Foreign Minister @araghchi during my timely visit to Iran. Cooperation with @IAEAorg is indispensable to provide credible assurances about the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear programme at a time when diplomacy is urgently needed.”
This meeting comes amidst a new wave of diplomatic engagements involving Iran and major international players. Just days earlier, US Special Envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, also held talks with FM Araghchi. These developments form part of broader efforts aimed at reviving dialogue over Iran’s nuclear activities and regional conduct.
On Tuesday, US Department of State Spokesperson Tammy Bruce acknowledged the recent talks hosted by the Omani Foreign Minister between Iranian and American delegations. Quoting a statement from the White House, she noted that the discussions were “very positive and constructive” and confirmed that both sides agreed to reconvene on the following Saturday.
Bruce also echoed remarks by Ambassador Witkoff, saying, “A deal with Iran will only be completed if it is a Trump deal. Any final arrangement must set a framework for peace, stability, and prosperity in the Middle East—meaning that Iran must stop and eliminate its nuclear enrichment and weaponisation programme.”
She reaffirmed the US position: “There is one goal here and that is that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. That is the one thing that we know they’re working on, and we believe success is within reach, considering who we’re dealing with.”
Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that President Trump had spoken with the Sultan of Oman, expressing gratitude for Oman’s role in hosting the first direct meeting between US and Iranian representatives. Leavitt reiterated the administration’s firm stance that Iran must not be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons.
The recent indirect talks between Iran and the US in Muscat were described as constructive and respectful. Mediated by Oman, the negotiations sought to address core concerns related to Iran’s nuclear ambitions and its activities across the region, potentially paving the way for further dialogue and a new diplomatic framework.
