The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) announced that technical discussions with Iran are set to commence, following an agreement that Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi described as a solid starting point. “We believe that the recognition of the indispensable role of the IAEA is a solid starting point,” Grossi stated. “Now we must sit down with our American and Iranian colleagues and begin to formulate the concrete steps that need to be taken. Therefore, I think it is good that the memorandum of understanding is there. Now the technical work begins.”
According to media reports, the memorandum of understanding outlines a negotiation period of up to 60 days for Iran to reach a “final agreement” on issues such as uranium enrichment. Iran will also be required to reaffirm its commitment not to pursue nuclear weapons development.
Additional provisions within the memorandum include the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to all maritime traffic and the easing of sanctions against Iran by the United States and the United Nations Security Council.
A notable clause among the 14 articles of the agreement calls for the “immediate and permanent cessation of military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon.”
Good Faith Negotiations
Speaking at the UN Office in Geneva, Grossi refrained from speculating about saboteurs, emphasizing the need to begin any negotiation “on the assumption that we are about to start and that all parties want to succeed in good faith.”
When questioned about a potential agreed-upon reduction in Iran’s uranium enrichment levels, the IAEA chief indicated that “many, many possibilities” could be explored.
“There are many different alternatives… There are different enrichment ranges in the current Iranian inventory, and we will see what is acceptable.”
Grossi highlighted that the agency’s access to all of Iran’s nuclear facilities is “not at the level it should be and in all locations,” but noted that contact with officials is ongoing, and the agency has “a pretty good idea about the specific things, the places that we need to access.”
He added, “I can now say that the real technical work can begin.”
The IAEA, established in 1957, promotes the peaceful use of nuclear energy. It operates as an autonomous body within the UN system, reporting directly to the UN General Assembly and the Security Council. Headquartered in Vienna with 180 member states, the agency is mandated to objectively monitor nuclear facilities, report on nuclear activities, oversee safety, foster peace through diplomacy, and ensure the use of nuclear technologies for beneficial purposes.
