IAEA Chief to Visit Iran for Nuclear Conference Amid Growing Cooperation

Rafael Grossi, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), is scheduled to visit Iran from May 6-8, 2024, to participate in a nuclear conference in Isfahan and meet with Iranian officials. The visit coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) and occurs amid growing cooperation between Iran and the IAEA.

During his visit, Grossi will deliver a speech at the first international conference on nuclear sciences and techniques in Iran and discuss with Iranian officials, including AEOI head Mohammad Eslami. The conference, titled "Science and Nuclear Sciences," will concentrate on developments related to Iran's nuclear program.

Grossi had previously stated that the relationship between the agency and Iran was "growing apart" and that Iran was still enriching uranium at an elevated rate of around 7 kg per month to 60% purity, which is close to weapons-grade and not necessary for commercial nuclear power production. Iran denies seeking nuclear weapons, but the 2015 nuclear deal that limited Iran's uranium enrichment has effectively disintegrated after the U.S. withdrawal in 2018 and the re-imposition of sanctions.

Why this matters: The visit by the IAEA chief signifies growing cooperation between the agency and Iran amid ongoing tensions over the country's nuclear program. It also comes less than three weeks after a reported Israeli strike in the central province of Isfahan, which the IAEA and Iranian officials said caused no damage to nuclear sites.

The IAEA has been struggling to carry out controls on Iran's nuclear program, which Tehran has expanded despite denying it wants to make nuclear weapons. Grossi's visit to Iran aims to address the "growing apart" in relations between the country and the IAEA, as Iran continues to enrich uranium at an elevated rate. The conference in Isfahan and meetings with Iranian officials are anticipated to provide valuable insights into the current state of Iran's nuclear program and the potential for future cooperation between Iran and the IAEA.

Key Takeaways

• IAEA chief Grossi to visit Iran on May 6-8, 2024 for nuclear conference and talks.
• Visit coincides with 50th anniversary of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization (AEOI).
• Grossi to discuss Iran's elevated uranium enrichment, which is close to weapons-grade.
• Visit aims to address "growing apart" in IAEA-Iran relations amid nuclear program tensions.
• Conference and meetings expected to provide insights into Iran's nuclear program and future cooperation.