GENEVA: The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said on Tuesday that the nuclear agency chief Rafael Grossi is scheduled to visit Iran next week. The visit comes against the backdrop of increased concerns over potential attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities and fears of further escalation in the region.
The IAEA confirmed Grossi’s upcoming visit to Iran on May 6-7. “We can confirm that director general Grossi will be in Iran on May 6-7 for meetings with senior Iranian officials,” a spokesman of the International Atomic Energy Agency told AFP.
During the visit, the UN nuclear agency chief will hold meetings with senior Iranian officials. This visit follows a reported Israeli strike in Isfahan province less than three weeks ago, purportedly in retaliation for Iran’s first-ever attack on Israel. Despite the reported strike, both the IAEA and Iranian officials stated that there was no damage to nuclear sites in the province.
Heightened concerns have also arisen regarding Iran’s nuclear program, with fears that Tehran may intensify its nuclear activities. The IAEA has faced challenges in monitoring Iran’s program since 2021, as Tehran has expanded its activities while denying any intentions to develop nuclear weapons.
Grossi’s visit coincides with the first International Nuclear Energy Conference scheduled to take place in Isfahan from May 6-8, as reported by Iran’s Tasnim news agency. Iranian nuclear chief Mohammad Eslami previously announced that Tehran had invited Grossi to attend the conference in May.
During his visit, Grossi is expected to engage in discussions with Iranian officials on various nuclear issues. This marks Grossi’s first visit to Iran since March 2023, underscoring the significance of the discussions amid escalating tensions in the region.
In January, Grossi expressed frustration over Iran’s nuclear activities, highlighting Tehran’s unprecedented restrictions on cooperation with the IAEA. Iran signed a nuclear agreement with major powers in 2015, aimed at restricting its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. However, former US President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew from the agreement in 2018, leading to renewed tensions and Iran’s suspension of compliance with certain nuclear restrictions.
In February, Iran announced the construction of a new nuclear research reactor in Isfahan, following its declaration of plans to build a nuclear power plant complex in the south.
