TEHRAN: The head of the UN atomic watchdog, Rafael Grossi, arrived in Iran on Monday for a crucial visit aimed at addressing mounting concerns surrounding Tehran’s nuclear activities. His visit comes against the backdrop of heightened regional tensions and escalating criticisms from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) regarding Iran’s lack of cooperation on inspections and other outstanding issues.
Reports from news agencies indicated that Grossi arrived in Tehran on Monday afternoon, leading a delegation to participate in a nuclear conference and engage in discussions with top Iranian officials regarding the country’s nuclear program. Among those scheduled to meet with Grossi are Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and Mohammad Eslami, the chief of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization.
Grossi is also slated to deliver a speech at Iran’s inaugural International Conference on Nuclear Science and Technology, which commenced on Monday. In his remarks, Eslami expressed hope for cooperation with the IAEA, emphasizing its importance in Iran’s policies and urging the agency to operate independently and free from political pressures.
The conference, held in Isfahan province, home to the Natanz uranium enrichment plant, holds particular significance given recent events. Strikes attributed to Israel targeted the region last month, prompting concerns about the security and stability of Iran’s nuclear facilities.
While both the IAEA and Iranian officials reported no damage to nuclear facilities following the reported attacks. Iran’s decision to suspend compliance with caps on nuclear activities set by the 2015 nuclear deal, coupled with recent escalations in uranium enrichment, has exacerbated international concerns.
Despite Iran’s assurances of peaceful intentions, the IAEA’s confidential report in February revealed that Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium had far exceeded the limits stipulated in the 2015 accord. This escalation prompted renewed scrutiny and intensified calls for transparency and cooperation from Iranian authorities.
