The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency expressed his hope to advance monitoring of Iran's nuclear program during meetings with Iranian officials, including the new president, to address current concerns amid attacks and tensions in the Middle East.
Mariano Grossi will travel to Iran to meet with President Masoud Pezeshkian, highlighting that the inspectors' goal is not to judge intentions but to verify statements about the nuclear program. Grossi mentioned that the current situation has evolved and a solution to the problem needs to be found.
Iran has been advancing its nuclear program, increasing enriched uranium reserves to levels close to weapons-grade, defying international demands. Despite this, Iran insists that its nuclear program is for energy purposes and does not seek to develop nuclear weapons.
In the past, the United States had guarantees from Israel that they would not attack nuclear or oil facilities. The 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers established limits on Iran's nuclear program, fearing it could be diverted toward military objectives.
Tensions in the Middle East have risen, with exchanges of attacks between Israel and Iran. Grossi emphasized the prohibition of attacking nuclear facilities under international law due to the possible radiological consequences it could entail.
To resolve the current situation and address concerns regarding the Iranian nuclear program, the meetings between Grossi and Iranian officials, including the new president, are crucial. Grossi hopes to build on previous positive discussions and find a solution to the problem at hand.
