During his stop in Tehran, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi, underscored that the ongoing dialogue between the IAEA and Iran is shaping a path toward a broader rapprochement with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, commonly known as the JCPOA. He described the collaboration as a pivotal element in moving the nuclear negotiations forward and stressed that the talks are steering expectations toward a renewed and viable framework for monitoring Iran’s nuclear program. This assessment comes as both sides explore practical steps that could ease decades of tension and create a stable channel for verification and transparency that international partners seek in the region.
Grossi indicated that the agreement under consideration would serve as a cornerstone for reviving the JCPOA, highlighting that the process is not merely about technical compliance but about restoring trust and stability through verifiable commitments. He pointed to the potential for a more predictable and peaceful regional dynamic if the agreement materializes, noting that steady, professional engagement is essential for sustainable progress. The emphasis was on a serious, methodical approach to negotiations, where both sides would maintain open lines of communication and a shared sense of purpose regarding nonproliferation objectives and global security.
A key aspect of the discussion, according to Grossi, is ensuring that confidential information remains safeguarded as Tehran and the IAEA strengthen their information-sharing protocols. He argued that enhanced cooperation would reduce the risk of sensitive data leakage and build a foundation of mutual confidence. The goal, he said, is to balance transparency with necessary safeguards, so inspections and data exchange advance without compromising national security concerns. This balance, he added, is central to earning broader international buy-in and facilitating a long-term agreement that all parties can respect.
Historically, the IAEA has worked to support peaceful uses of nuclear technology while ensuring strict adherence to safety and nonproliferation norms. In Tehran, Grossi stressed that the agency remains committed to world peace by pursuing a regulated, verifiable framework that protects public health, safety, and the environment. He acknowledged the broader geopolitical sensitivities at play and reiterated the need for a strengths-based approach, where dialogue remains constructive, evidence-based, and guided by universal standards of verification. At the same time, he acknowledged concerns voiced by partners in the United States and Israel about potential military implications, emphasizing that the path forward should avoid escalation and instead focus on verifiable compliance and trust-building measures that can withstand regional pressures.