The deputy head of the UN’s nuclear watchdog arrived in Tehran on Monday for talks aimed at establishing a new framework for cooperation between the International Atomic Energy Agency and Iran, marking the first visit by an IAEA official since the recent Iran-Israel war that led Tehran to halt collaboration with the agency.
What happened: Iranian news outlet Mehr reported on Monday that IAEA deputy director general Massimo Aparo held talks with Iranian representatives from Iran's ministry of foreign affairs and the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI). Both sides have yet to agree on the terms of a new arrangement for engagement that would satisfy Iran’s parliament, which has passed laws restricting the country’s engagement with the agency.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a cabinet session on Sunday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed the talks with Aparo and emphasized that any framework the two sides land on must comply with Iranian legislation.
“Negotiations with the IAEA will be held tomorrow to determine a framework for cooperation,” Araghchi said. "There are no plans to visit any nuclear sites until we reach a framework and bilateral cooperation will not begin."
IAEA Director General Rafael
Grossi last visited Iran in April amid ongoing nuclear negotiations between the US and Iran, mediated by Oman.
Background: Following Israeli and US strikes in June on Iranian nuclear facilities, including sites in Natanz, Isfahan and Fordow, inspectors from the IAEA have been unable to access the country’s nuclear program, leaving the agency unable to monitor enrichment activities or verify Iran’s nuclear stockpiles.
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