As negotiations between the United States and Iran regarding Tehran’s nuclear program continue, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, emphasized the importance of “trust but verify” in ensuring that Iran is engaging in good faith negotiations. The third round of discussions, set to be held on Saturday, will focus on both the technical aspects of Iran’s nuclear program as well as political negotiations. While Grossi applauded the U.S.-Iran talks mediated by Oman, he mentioned that the IAEA has not yet been asked to assist in the negotiations. However, there is a general expectation that the IAEA will play a crucial role in verifying any agreement reached between the two countries to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
Despite ongoing negotiations, skepticism persists regarding Iran’s intentions, particularly in light of its history of deception. Since the U.S. withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), Iran has made significant advancements in its nuclear program, including stockpiling near-weapons-grade enriched uranium that could potentially be used to produce nuclear warheads. Similarly, Iran has made progress in its centrifuge and missile capabilities. When asked about Iran’s honesty in the negotiations, Grossi reiterated the need to verify Iran’s claims through inspections, stating that trust must be built through concrete actions.
During the negotiations, the parties are addressing critical issues such as uranium stockpiles, inventories, centrifuge advances, and weaponization capabilities. Iran’s advancements in these areas have made the discussions more complex, requiring a reassessment of the goals of the agreement. The framework of the JCPOA, which was criticized by the Trump administration and deemed outdated due to Iran’s progress, is being revisited to address present challenges. Grossi emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to address Iran’s nuclear activities and prevent it from gaining access to nuclear weapons.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi asserted Iran’s commitment to nuclear non-proliferation in an address that was intended to be delivered at the Carnegie International Nuclear Policy Conference. Despite being unable to deliver the address due to format changes requested by Tehran, Araghchi sought to correct perceived mischaracterizations of Iran’s position. As Iran engages in discussions with China and other stakeholders, Grossi reiterated the importance of independent verification through inspections to ensure Iran’s compliance with any agreements reached. Transparency and oversight will be crucial in ensuring that Iran adheres to its commitments and does not deviate from its nuclear program obligations.
As negotiations progress, the international community continues to closely monitor the discussions between the United States and Iran. Grossi emphasized the need for the IAEA to step in at the right time to make the agreements verifiable and credible. By incorporating the expertise of the IAEA, the parties can ensure that any agreement reached is effectively monitored and enforced. While challenges remain in addressing Iran’s nuclear activities, the dedication of all stakeholders, including the IAEA and world leaders, to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons is paramount. Trust but verify remains the guiding principle in ensuring that Iran complies with its commitments and does not pose a threat to regional and global security.
