‘We know we don’t have much time’: UN nuclear chief meets Iran’s Atomic Energy head
Rafael Mariano Grossi (L), Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), holds a delegation meeting with Head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Mohammad Eslami at the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) building on a visit to the capital as negotiations between Iran and the United States continue, in Tehran, Iran on April 17, 2025. (Atomic Energy Organization of Iran / Handout / Anadolu Agency)
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi visited Tehran for meetings with Iranian officials as U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations continue.
Intensive day of discussions in Tehran today with Iran’s Vice President and Head of @aeoi_ir Mohammad Eslami, and Deputy Foreign Minister @Gharibabadi. pic.twitter.com/3DEbAQe86C
— Rafael Mariano Grossi (@rafaelmgrossi) April 17, 2025
Grossi: ‘We know there are those who do not want these negotiations to conclude, but we must strive for peace’
Amid ongoing negotiations between Iran and the United States, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi visited Tehran and met with Mohammad Eslami, head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization.
Following the meeting, Grossi said, “We know this is not an easy process and that there are certainly those who do not want these negotiations to conclude. But we must strive for peace.”
Grossi emphasized that the IAEA is discussing how it can support the ongoing Iran–US negotiations: “There is a possibility for the negotiations to end positively, and I see that horizon. This agreement needs to be valid. For it to be valid, the agency’s approval must be added.”
“What matters is listening to what Iran says and seeing what Iran’s expectations are. As the negotiations progress, we must take on a role as the IAEA,” he added.
Grossi also confirmed that he is in contact with the U.S. side on this matter.
Eslami: ‘The Deputy Head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran and the IAEA will meet in the coming days’
Iran Atomic Energy Organization President Mohammad Eslami addressed the media following the talks with Grossi, saying, “Iran’s expectation from the international agency is neutrality and professional conduct.”
Eslami urged caution in public messaging: “Do not use language that can be exploited by destructive currents and enemies of Iran. We are in agreement with Mr. Grossi on this matter, and he has confirmed our view.”
“The deputy head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran and the IAEA will meet in the coming days to discuss the details of cooperation and resolution of issues,” he also announced.
Araghchi: ‘The Agency must maintain a clear and transparent stance on threats against Iran’s nuclear facilities’
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also met with Grossi during the visit.
According to a statement from Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Araghchi and Grossi discussed the status and progress of technical cooperation between Iran and the IAEA.
Araghchi conveyed to Grossi, “The Agency must perform its professional and technical role within the scope of its duties and responsibilities, without being influenced by the unfair pressures of certain parties.”
He also called for a firm stance, saying, “The agency must maintain a clear and transparent stance on threats against Iran’s nuclear facilities.”
Araghchi briefed Grossi on the nuclear negotiations being conducted between Iran and the United States, with Oman acting as mediator.
Grossi responded by emphasizing, “It is important to maintain interaction and cooperation between Iran and the Agency and to consult with other parties in order to create a suitable atmosphere to resolve existing issues.”
He welcomed the ongoing indirect talks between Iran and the U.S., saying, “We support the process and hope the negotiations will continue until a positive result is achieved.”
In a separate statement, Foreign Minister Araghchi commented on Iran’s position in the talks: “The negotiations may or may not yield results.”
Responding to U.S. calls to reduce uranium enrichment, he added, “Iran’s enrichment of uranium is not up for discussion.”
“If we continue to hear contradictory and conflicting positions, we are going to have problems,” he concluded.
Grossi: ‘We know we don’t have much time; that’s why I am here’
Speaking in Tehran, Grossi also said: “We are in a very crucial stage of these important negotiations. We know we don’t have much time; that’s why I am here… to facilitate this process.”
“We are working hard, and we want to succeed,” he added.
Iran, US to resume talks in Rome; Grossi warns of urgency
According to international reports, Iranian and U.S. delegations are scheduled to hold a second round of indirect negotiations in Rome this weekend, following initial talks mediated by Oman.
Before arriving in Tehran, Grossi told Le Monde, “Tehran is not far from possessing a nuclear bomb,” and he added, “It’s like a jigsaw puzzle,” Grossi said of Iran’s progress.
“They have the pieces, and one day they can put them all together. There is a way to achieve this. But they are not far from it; we have to accept that. In the last four years, we have seen a remarkable acceleration in Iran in this area.”
“They know that we will have to give our opinion on a possible agreement because it will be up to us to check up on it,” he said.
In its most recent report, the IAEA confirmed that Iran had accumulated 274.8 kilograms of uranium enriched up to 60 percent—well above the 3.67% limit in the 2015 deal, but still below weapons-grade levels.
