This Thursday, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossiarrived in Tehran to negotiate the Iranian nuclear program in a context marked by growing tensions.
Grossi, who heads a diplomatic delegation, met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to discuss Iran’s buildup of enriched uraniumwhich has already managed to reach 60% purity, very close to the 90% necessary to manufacture a nuclear bomb.
“It is imperative to find ways to achieve diplomatic solutions”Grossi stated before their meeting, according to the agency AFP. The visit occurs after the election of Donald Trump in the United States, a fact that increased concerns about possible more aggressive Washington policies towards Tehran.
During his first term, Donald Trump Withdrew the United States from the historic 2015 nuclear deal and reestablished sanctions, seeking “maximum pressure” on the Iranian regime.
According to the IAEA, the US withdrawal from the pact led Iran to increase its uranium reserves. “It was the United States, not Iran, that abandoned the agreement”stressed the Iranian government spokesperson, Fatemeh Mohajeraniin a statement on Wednesday.
Grossi already met on this visit with Behruz Kamalvandithe spokesman for the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (WHETHER), and waits for a meeting with the head of this department, Mohamad Eslami.
Both Iranian representatives They expressed their interest in maintaining dialogue and defending the peaceful use of the nuclear program. However, the possibility of an understanding faces challenges, since negotiation attempts in recent years with signatory countries such as France, United Kingdom, and Germany they failed.
“The margins for maneuver are beginning to reduce”Grossi commented, warning of the few opportunities left to reach an agreement. The 2015 nuclear deal, negotiated by Araghchi and signed by global powers, limited Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for the lifting of sanctions.
With the reactivation of sanctions under the Trump administration, the Iranian president, Masud Pezeshkiabrequested flexibility, arguing that this measure would alleviate the economic crisis facing the country.
On the other hand, Grossi in a recent interview with CNN warned what Iran already has enough nuclear material to make an atomic bombalthough he stressed that the country has not yet developed this weapon.
Grossi’s concern lies in the stagnation of investigations into the Iranian nuclear programsince the IAEA still has not made any progress in clarifying whether the regime has or has had military intentions.
Despite Tehran’s demands, International pressure on its nuclear program continues to increaseand the prospect of reaching a new consensus seems limited. Grossi’s return to Tehran reflects the urgency of the IAEA to avoid a major conflict and establish an effective diplomatic channel.
(With information from AFP)
