UN nuclear watchdog chief says Iran-US nuclear talks at ‘very important’ stage

Washington: The head of the UN’s nuclear watchdog said on Thursday that talks between Iran and the United States over Tehran’s nuclear programme were at a “very important” stage. Speaking during a visit to Iran, Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), also confirmed that his agency could play a vital role in verifying Iran’s compliance if a deal is reached.

Grossi’s visit comes ahead of a new round of Iran-US negotiations scheduled for Saturday in Rome, following their initial meeting in Oman last week. The discussions come amid growing tensions, with US President Donald Trump repeatedly threatening air strikes against Iran’s nuclear facilities if a deal is not reached.

Iranian officials, meanwhile, have warned that they possess a stockpile of uranium close to weapons-grade levels and could build nuclear weapons if necessary.

Grossi arrived in Tehran on Wednesday night and met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. On Thursday, he held talks with Mohammad Eslami, head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization, before touring facilities housing some of Iran’s civilian nuclear projects.

“We know we’re at a very important stage of this important conversation, so I want to focus on the positive,” Grossi told Iranian media.

“There is a possibility of a good result. Nothing is guaranteed. We need to ensure that we put all the elements in place to reach this agreement.”

When asked about Trump’s threats, Grossi said the focus should remain on achieving a resolution. “Once we reach our goal, all these things will disappear as there will be no cause for concern,” he said.