IAEA Chief Rafael Grossi to Visit Iran for Nuclear Conference and Consultations

Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), is set to visit Iran from May 6-8 to attend the country's first International Nuclear Energy Conference in Isfahan. During his visit, Grossi will hold consultations with Iranian officials, including Mohammed Eslami, head of Iran's civilian nuclear program.

The conference, described by Iranian state television as an "international conference on nuclear sciences and techniques," comes amidst growing tensions between Iran and the IAEA since the US withdrew from Tehran's nuclear deal with world powers in 2018. Iran has since abandoned all limits on its nuclear program and now has enough enriched uranium for "several" nuclear bombs if it chose to build them, according to Grossi.

Why this matters: The outcome of Grossi's consultations with Iranian officials will have significant implications for the future of Iran's nuclear program and its relations with the IAEA and the international community. The outcome of Grossi's consultations with Iranian officials will have significant implications for the future of Iran's nuclear program and its relations with the IAEA and the international community. In addition, the potential development of nuclear weapons by Iran could destabilize the Middle East region and pose a threat to global security.

Grossi's trip follows his initial announcement of a potential mission to Iran during the UN Security Council in New York on April 17. In March 2023, Grossi signed a declaration of cooperation with the Iranian government, but the process was interrupted. "I hope to put the situation in a higher level of cooperation, as we are getting access, but it could be much better," Grossi stated. "So, we started the process in March 2023, but it was interrupted. If I return soon, we will discuss how to go to this level of cooperation."

The IAEA is seeking to improve cooperation with Iran on nuclear safeguards, since the agency does not have information on whether Iran has a nuclear weapon program. "The agency does not have information if there is a nuclear weapon program in Iran, but we are telling them that they are close to a weapon-level of uranium enrichment, so we are asking to cooperate,"Grossi explained.

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian stated that the cooperation between Iran and the IAEA is on a favorable track, and Tehran welcomes Grossi's visit to the country. Amir-Abdollahian made these remarks during a phone conversation with the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, on Wednesday night.

"The cooperation between Iran and the IAEA is on a favorable track, and Tehran welcomes the visit of IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi to the country," Amir-Abdollahian said. Borrell stressed that "the European Union does not want tension with the Islamic Republic of Iran and welcomed the continuation of diplomatic consultations between the two parties."

The Isfahan Nuclear Technology Centre and the Natanz uranium enrichment plant in Iran are subject to US and UN sanctions. Iran has announced plans to build a new nuclear research reactor at the Isfahan site and is constructing a second nuclear power plant at Bushehr. Tehran has also announced plans to pour first concrete for a third unit at Bushehr and is building a four-unit nuclear power station in Hormozgan province.

Iran has always denied seeking nuclear weapons, saying its atomic program is for purely civilian purposes. US intelligence agencies and the IAEA say Iran had an organized military nuclear program up until 2003. The latest American intelligence community assessment says Iran "is not currently undertaking the key nuclear weapons-development activities necessary to produce a testable nuclear device."

As tensions persist, IAEA surveillance cameras have been disrupted, and Iran has barred some of the agency's most experienced inspectors. Iranian officials have increasingly threatened to pursue atomic weapons, particularly after launching a massive drone-and-missile attack on Israel last month. Mohammed Eslami, head of Iran's civilian nuclear program, expressed optimism, stating,"I am sure that the ambiguities will be resolved and we can strengthen our relations with the agency within the framework of safeguards and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty."

Grossi's visit to Iran for the International Nuclear Energy Conference in Isfahan comes at a critical juncture, with the international community seeking to ensure Iran's compliance with nuclear safeguards and prevent the development of nuclear weapons. The outcome of hisweekconsultations with Iranian officials will have significant implications for the future of Iran's nuclear program and the region's stability.

Key Takeaways

• IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi to visit Iran from May 6-8 for nuclear conference.
• Grossi to hold consultations with Iranian officials, including Mohammed Eslami.
• Iran has enough enriched uranium for "several" nuclear bombs, according to Grossi.
• IAEA seeks improved cooperation with Iran on nuclear safeguards and preventing weapon development.
• Grossi's visit aims to resolve ambiguities and strengthen relations with Iran within nuclear safeguards framework.