Tehran Times accuses IAEA chief of misleading US on nuclear activities

Iranian state-affiliated newspaper the Tehran Times has accused International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi of supplying misleading information about Iran’s nuclear activities to the United States.

Citing unnamed sources, the paper alleged that Grossi acted under pressure from the UK, France and Germany and was influencing the timing of nuclear negotiations between Iran and the US, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media. 

According to the paper, Grossi was “trying every means to insert himself into the negotiation process” and was attempting to create a "false impression about the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear activities."

The fourth round of indirect talks between Tehran and Washington was due to take place in Rome on 3 May but has been postponed. Oman’s foreign minister, who is mediating the discussions, said logistical issues were behind the delay.

The negotiations follow an exchange of letters in March between US President Donald Trump and Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, which led to indirect talks in both Oman and Rome. Officials from both countries had earlier indicated that some progress had been made.

However, relations have become increasingly strained in recent days after the US imposed sanctions on seven companies linked to Iranian oil exports. Among them were four firms based in the United Arab Emirates and one in Türkiye.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth added to tensions by accusing Iran of offering “lethal support” to Yemen’s Houthi rebels and warned of retaliation.

In turn, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Baqai condemned what he called “contradictory and provocative statements” from Washington while negotiations were still under way.

By Sabina Mammadli