In a compelling address to the IAEA Board of Governors on Monday, Director General Rafael Grossi emphasized the critical role that restored inspections in Iran could play in unlocking broader diplomatic breakthroughs. "Restoring indispensable cooperation between the IAEA and Iran is promising ground for wider progress," Grossi said, underlining a window of opportunity that still remains open if parties act in good faith.
Grossi, who has been "continuously and systematically" reaching out to Iranian authorities, noted that recent technical discussions have yielded progress on safeguards procedures and data verification. These talks, he said, reflect the quality of "important diplomatic consultations and processes" that could advance towards positive outcomes.
The diplomat warned, however, that time is short. Iran suspended its cooperation with the IAEA after Israeli-U.S. strikes on its nuclear facilities and the assassination of Iranian nuclear scientists in June. Despite the suspension, the nuclear watchdog has kept lines of communication open. "There is still time, not much, but always enough when there is good faith and a clear sense of responsibility," Grossi stressed.
Irans Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said on Saturday that Iran and the IAEA are very close to agreeing on a new framework for the resumption of bilateral cooperation. If an agreement materializes, it could reinforce confidence in the non-proliferation regime and open pathways for further diplomatic engagement in the region.
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IAEA chief highlights importance of restoring IAEA inspections in Iran
cgtn.com
