Iran's Nuclear Tensions: Grossi Aims for Diplomatic Solution

U.N. nuclear watchdog head Rafael Grossi is seeking discussions with Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian by November to address Iran's nuclear cooperation. Long-standing issues like barring inspectors and unexplained uranium traces persist. Despite recent developments, little progress has been made, and tensions remain high with possible U.S. policy changes on the horizon.

Rafael Grossi, chief of the U.N. nuclear watchdog, is looking to hold discussions with Iran's new President Masoud Pezeshkian by November. Grossi aims to address improving Iran's cooperation with his agency amid long-standing issues like Iran barring uranium-enrichment experts and unexplained uranium traces at undeclared sites.

During a quarterly meeting of the agency's 35-nation Board of Governors, Grossi shared that Pezeshkian agreed to meet with him, stressing the urgency for Iran to facilitate the talks. He emphasized the need for a constructive dialogue to achieve swift and real results, especially as nuclear diplomacy between Iran and the U.S. stalls ahead of the U.S. election on Nov. 5.

Grossi expressed hope for a meeting before the U.S. election but acknowledged limited progress from previous IAEA board resolutions urging Iran's cooperation. Iran has expanded its enrichment capacity and installed advanced centrifuges while failing to reverse its barring of inspectors, exacerbating nuclear tensions amidst potential changes in U.S. policy post-election.

(With inputs from agencies.)