Iran-US nuclear negotiations hang in balance, says UN watchdog

The head of the United Nations’ atomic watchdog, Rafael Mariano Grossi, has said that it remains uncertain whether negotiations between the United States and Iran will yield an agreement over Tehran’s nuclear program, but he acknowledged that the continuation of talks signals a positive development.

“For the moment, the jury is still out. We don’t know whether there’s going to be an agreement or not,” Grossi told journalists attending a seminar at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

“The fact that they continue to meet … that is an indication of a willingness to come to an agreement. And I think that, in and by itself, is something possible.”

Grossi, Director-General of the IAEA, said he is in near-daily contact with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff. He confirmed that one of his deputies, Massimo Aparo, head of the IAEA’s safeguards division, was in Tehran for technical discussions. The safeguards arm oversees inspections of Iran’s nuclear facilities, which are now enriching uranium up to 60 per cent purity—just below weapons-grade levels.

Iran and the US have conducted five rounds of indirect negotiations in Muscat and Rome, mediated by Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi. A sixth round has not yet been scheduled. The discussions aim to restrict Iran’s nuclear activities in return for the easing of U.S. sanctions.

While President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened airstrikes if a deal is not reached, Iranian officials have hinted at the possibility of developing nuclear weapons, despite asserting their nuclear program is peaceful. “Our fingers on the trigger, we are in ambush and we are waiting,” said Gen. Hossein Salami, head of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard.

Grossi emphasized the need for transparency. “They tell me that a nuclear weapon is un-Islamic. I tell them, ‘Well, yeah. You know, that is perfect. It’s a statement that I respect. But in this business, you have to show it. You have to be verified in this.’”

Grossi also acknowledged his potential interest in the role of UN Secretary-General, saying he is “seriously considering that,” though for now, he remains focused on his current duties.

By Vafa Guliyeva