IAEA Iran visit opens window to restart nuclear diplomacy
The nuclear watchdog International Atomic Energy Agency meets Tuesday, as an EU official says an agreement could be "positive” for Iran nuclear talks.
Iran may have staved off another censure resolution by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the UN nuclear watchdog, over its nuclear program and opened the door to another round of nuclear diplomacy after months of stalled talks over the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), or Iran nuclear deal.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi’s visit to Iran March 3-4, which included a meeting with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, came amidst heightened concerns after particles of uranium enriched at 83.7%, just below the weapons-grade level of 90%, were found at one of Iran’s nuclear facilities.
European officials were reportedly considering a resolution of censure at the IAEA meeting, while the United States sought to await the outcome of Grossi’s visit.
In a joint statement following Grossi's meetings, Iran committed to its obligations to the IAEA under the nuclear safeguard agreement, which is obligated as a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (see our report here from last week).
