UN nuclear watchdog team begins technical discussions in Iran

Reuters

An IAEA team arrived in Iran for technical talks after Rafael Grossi’s visit, amid renewed Iran-U.S. nuclear negotiations and concerns over Tehran’s uranium enrichment nearing weapons-grade levels.

A team from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has arrived in Iran for technical discussions with Iranian nuclear experts, a foreign ministry spokesperson announced on Monday. The visit follows IAEA Chief Rafael Grossi’s trip to Tehran earlier this month.

"The delegation is in Iran and will engage in technical talks with Iranian specialists today, including discussions on safeguards", said spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei during a weekly press briefing.

This development comes after Iran and the United States held a third round of nuclear negotiations in Oman last week, which also included technical-level discussions.

Following those talks, Iran’s foreign minister indicated that IAEA representatives could participate in the upcoming Iran-U.S. nuclear discussions scheduled for Saturday.

During his April 17 visit to Tehran, Grossi expressed optimism that the IAEA could contribute to achieving progress in the negotiations.

Tensions around Iran’s nuclear program have persisted since 2018, when U.S. President Donald Trump withdrew from the 2015 nuclear agreement, prompting Iran to exceed the deal’s uranium enrichment limits and restrict IAEA inspections.

In February, the IAEA raised alarms in a report, noting serious concerns as Iran continues to enrich uranium up to 60% purity, close to weapons-grade levels. Tehran, however, maintains that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.

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