IAEA chief may join Iran‑US talks in Geneva on February 26

Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), is expected to participate in the third round of indirect talks between Iran and the United States.

An Iranian diplomat told ISNA that Grossi is likely to attend the talks on February 26, as he did in the previous round on February 17 in Geneva.

The negotiations will take place at the Omani Embassy in Geneva under the mediation of Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi. 

Key discussion points include Iran’s nuclear commitments, US sanctions relief measures, and issues of economic cooperation.

Tehran officials emphasised that Iran’s “red lines” include recognition of the country’s right to enrich uranium domestically and a ban on exporting already enriched material.

On February 17 in Geneva, Iran and the United States held an indirect round of nuclear negotiations mediated by Oman, during which both sides reported agreeing on some “guiding principles” to advance talks toward a possible deal, though no final agreement was reached.

Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, expressed cautious optimism about progress and said draft proposals would be exchanged ahead of further talks, but both parties acknowledged that significant differences remained.

The talks took place against a backdrop of regional tensions, including heightened US military presence and Iranian military activity such as drills in the Strait of Hormuz, underscoring the delicate balance between diplomacy and confrontation.

By Jeyhun Aghazada