The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi stated that technical work can commence on a potential agreement between the United States and Iran, referencing a reported deal text. “We believe that the recognition of the indispensable role of the IAEA is a good starting point,” Grossi said. He added, “Now we need to sit down with our American colleagues, with our Iranian colleagues, and start formulating the concrete steps that will need to be taken. So, I think it is good that the 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 to reach a “final agreement” on issues such as Iran’s uranium enrichment. Iran is expected to reaffirm its lack of intention to develop nuclear weapons.
Further requirements within the text of the memorandum include the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to all maritime traffic and the easing of sanctions imposed by the U.S. and the UN Security Council on the Middle Eastern nation.
A significant point within the first of the memorandum’s 14 articles is the call for “an immediate and permanent cessation of military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon.”
Good Faith Negotiations
Speaking at the UN in Geneva, Grossi refrained from speculating on potential obstacles, stating, “because we are about to start and we must start with the assumption that all of us are participating in any negotiation in good faith, wanting it to be successful.”
When questioned about a possible agreed-upon reduction in Iran’s uranium enrichment level, the IAEA chief indicated that “many, many possibilities” could be explored.
“There are different alternatives… There are different enrichment ranges in the current Iranian inventory, and we will see what will be agreed upon,” Grossi commented.
He emphasized that the agency’s access to all of Iran’s nuclear facilities is “not at the level that 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, locations that we need to have access to.”
Grossi reiterated, “I can say now that the technical work can really start.”
The IAEA, established in 1957, aims to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy. It functions as an autonomous organization within the United Nations system, reporting to both the UN General Assembly and the Security Council, rather than being directly under the UN Secretariat.
The Vienna-based agency comprises 180 member states. Its mandate includes objectively monitoring nuclear facilities, reporting on nuclear activities, overseeing safety, fostering peace through diplomacy, and ensuring the use of nuclear technologies for beneficial purposes.
