IAEA chief to Tehran: Iran must prove its nuclear program is peaceful UPDATED / PHOTO

Tehran should cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to prove the peaceful nature of its nuclear program, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said.

Grossi made the remarks in a post on his X page after a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Tehran on April 16, Caliber.Az reports.

“Important to meet with Foreign Minister Araqchi during my timely visit to Iran. Cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency is indispensable to provide credible assurances about the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear programme at a time when diplomacy is urgently needed,” the minister wrote.

Following the meeting, Foreign Minister Araghchi also shared a post on social network X, which says: "Had useful discussion with visiting IAEA chief Grossi. In the coming months, the Agency can play a crucial role in peaceful settlement of the Iranian nuclear file. As variety of spoilers are gathered to derail current negotiations, we need a Director General of Peace."

Araghchi's post further says, "Our predisposition is to trust Grossi in mission to keep the Agency away from politics and politicization, and to retain focus on its technical mandate."

​As of April 17, 2025, the United States and Iran are engaged in renewed nuclear negotiations amid heightened tensions and complex geopolitical dynamics.

​The first round of nuclear talks between Iran and the United States took place on April 12, 2025, in Muscat, Oman. This marked the first direct engagement between the two nations since President Donald Trump's return to office.​

The discussions were primarily indirect, with Oman's Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi mediating between U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. However, the two lead negotiators did have a brief direct conversation at the conclusion of the meeting. The talks focused on Iran's nuclear program and the potential lifting of U.S. sanctions. Iran emphasized its right to enrich uranium, while the U.S. aimed to address concerns over Iran's nuclear advancements. Araghchi has stated that Iran's uranium enrichment program is non-negotiable, emphasizing that the country will not compromise on this aspect of its nuclear activities.

Following the initial discussions, both parties agreed to reconvene for a second round of talks scheduled for April 19, 2025, in Rome, Italy. The continuation of these negotiations indicates a mutual interest in addressing the complex issues surrounding Iran's nuclear activities.​

By Khagan Isayev