Nournews: Six months after Rafael Grossi, the Director General of the IAEA, first expressed his desire to visit Iran and speak with officials, he is scheduled to arrive in Tehran on Wednesday night, Iranian time, and meet with Iranian officials on Thursday, November 14. The IAEA announced on Sunday that Grossi would travel to Tehran to meet senior Iranian officials and discuss all aspects of the joint statement agreed upon with Iran in March 2023. This announcement stated that his meetings in Tehran are based on discussions he had with Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi during the UN General Assembly in September. Grossi emphasized the importance of the trip, stating, “It is essential that we make substantial progress in implementing the joint statement agreed with Iran in March 2023.”
Kazem Gharibabadi, Deputy Minister for Legal and International Affairs, said Grossi would arrive in Tehran for a two-day visit as part of the ongoing interactions between Iran and the Agency and in line with the March 2023 joint statement. Gharibabadi mentioned that Grossi would meet with the President, Foreign Minister, and head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran. He clarified, “Iran is committed to continuing cooperation with the Agency within the framework of its safeguard obligations, unless certain countries pursue political agendas to undermine the Director General’s efforts and Iran-IAEA relations.”
History of Six Months of Iran-IAEA Relations
The latest news in Iran’s case with the IAEA dates back to September this year, during the Agency’s Board of Governors quarterly meeting, where the European Troika and the U.S. issued a joint statement on Iran’s compliance under the NPT safeguards agreement, raising allegations about Iran’s cooperation. They claimed Tehran had not provided valid technical explanations to the Agency's questions regarding undeclared nuclear materials and activities in locations like Turquzabad and Varamin. Grossi, in an earlier interview with Al Jazeera, had also called for more rapid and constructive dialogue to ensure guarantees regarding the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program and expedite negotiations.
Three Warning Signals
Over the years, Iran’s negotiations with the Agency on its peaceful nuclear program have been one of the most challenging political, legal, and technical processes in international diplomacy, mainly due to the political approach of the Agency and Western countries. Currently, three reasons have made these talks highly sensitive:
(A) For a long time, Iran and the IAEA have experienced strained relations, often due to political reasons rather than technical or legal issues. Grossi's visit now may signal an end to previous approaches, potentially reviving a proper, rational path for mutual cooperation. Both sides are referencing the commitments made in March 2023 as a starting point, where Iran agreed to increased inspections based on Parliament's strategic action law to demonstrate goodwill.
(B) Iran’s peaceful stance on its nuclear program and its avoidance of nuclear weapon development remain fundamental, rooted in the Supreme Leader’s religious decree. However, recent regional events and the ongoing conflicts fueled by Israel have prompted new discussions, suggesting that Iran might consider revisiting its nuclear doctrine.
(C) In two months, Donald Trump is expected to return to the White House as the 47th U.S. President, a figure closely associated in Iran with the nuclear deal (JCPOA). During his first term, he withdrew from the JCPOA and imposed numerous unilateral sanctions on Iran, restricting its economy.
The accumulation of these warning signals as Grossi arrives in Tehran demands keen attention by the IAEA to defuse tensions. Engaging with the Agency before Trump's potential return holds significant political and media importance. By inviting Grossi, Iran sends a message to the global community that it values diplomatic negotiation. In a way, this invitation lessens the psychological impact of Trump's anticipated presidency.
What Does Iran Want from the Agency?
For Grossi’s visit to be effective, he must approach Tehran with a fresh perspective beyond his previous views. Iran’s nuclear file needs to be freed from the fabricated narratives pushed by Israel’s prime minister, returning to a normal, legal, and technical path, allowing Iran's confidence-building steps with the Agency to achieve real results. Only a clear, accurate report confirming the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear activities can redirect the file from a political to a technical path. Without this, Grossi’s trip may later be seen as a missed opportunity.
NOURNEWS