IAEA chief says US-Iran talks close to nuclear framework agreement

TEHRAN: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi said on Friday that negotiations between the United States and Iran appeared close to producing a framework agreement on Tehran's nuclear programme.

Speaking at a news conference following a meeting of the IAEA Board of Governors, Grossi said the agency remained in contact with both sides, although it was not directly involved in the talks.

“Our sense is that they seem to be pretty close to agreeing on what I would describe more with regards to the nuclear … to sort of a framework, organisational structure to give themselves time to look into the different problems," he said.

Grossi added that the IAEA had made several efforts to restore verification activities in Iran and stressed that Tehran's obligations under its agreements with the agency remained in force.

"The issue here is multiple, because Iran has a number of obligations in terms of informing us and giving us access for our inspection work,” he said. “It is clear that under war circumstances, this is not possible, but there has been quite a long ceasefire.”

He noted that the agency had continued some activities at facilities selected by Iran, saying there is an "element of discretion" in terms of what Tehran allows the agency to see.

Grossi said Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium remained central to any future agreement.

Possible options include exporting the material, diluting it or keeping it in Iran under IAEA monitoring, he said, adding that any decision would ultimately be political.

Grossi, however, said the first step should be for the agency to go to Iran to check the amount.

Ahead of the meeting, Grossi also warned that nuclear facilities must not be targeted during conflicts.

"Regardless of where they are located around the world, nuclear facilities should never be attacked," he said.

His remarks came after a visit to the Arab Gulf region, where he met regional leaders and toured the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the United Arab Emirates, which was struck by a drone on May 17.

"Attacks on nuclear facilities devoted to peaceful purposes are unacceptable. I solemnly reiterate my calls for the parties in this conflict and in all conflicts to respect the seven indispensable pillars for ensuring nuclear safety and security during a conflict," Grossi said.

Calling for maximum restraint, he warned that military activities involving nuclear power plants and other nuclear facilities carry "unacceptable risks".

Grossi stressed that the IAEA applied the same standards to all countries and situations.

"There are no double or triple standards here for the IAEA. An attack on any facility, wherever it is located, is unacceptable, a no-go, taboo," he said.

He also warned of the potential environmental and public safety consequences of any major release of radioactivity resulting from an attack on an operating nuclear power plant.

"The only sustainable path to peace, stability and cooperation is one grounded in dialogue and diplomacy. This is what we are here for," Grossi added.

Iran's Araghchi says US bases in regional countries are legitimate targets

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that Iran "warned regional states that US bases used for any aggression against Iran" were "legitimate targets".

According to the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) posts on X, he also said that “standing against the world’s greatest power, equipped with nuclear weapons, for 40 days is no joke,” and that “the world has realised the true power of the Iranian nation.”

The Iranian foreign minister also said,” We are committed to fostering sustainable, constructive ties with Saudi Arabia.”