IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi has begun bilateral talks with Iran’s nuclear chief, Mohammad Eslami, after Grossi met Iran's top diplomat, Abbas Araghchi, on Wednesday evening.

Why it matters:

This visit comes at a pivotal moment before Iran’s second round of nuclear indirect talks with the U.S. With enrichment levels and transparency under global scrutiny, the Grossi-Eslami meeting could shape the future of oversight and diplomacy around Iran’s nuclear program.

 

The big picture:

Grossi’s trip follows Tehran's efforts to expand the diplomatic process of resolving tensions with the West on its nuclear dossier.

Amid upcoming talks with the U.S. and the finalization of the long-term alliance between Iran and Russia, Grossi's trip to Tehran and meeting with Araghchi show that the IAEA could play an important role in resolving tensions with the West over Iran’s civilian nuclear file.

 

Key points:

  • The meeting took place on Thursday morning in Tehran as part of Grossi’s official visit to Iran.
  • Grossi landed in Iran late Wednesday and held his first meeting with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
  • No public comments have yet been released from either side following the talks.

 

Go deeper:

Iran’s Top Diplomat Heads to Moscow with Message from Leader
 

Hossein Vaez