SAEDNEWS: IAEA Deputy Rafael Grossi’s visit to Tehran comes amid heightened scrutiny of Iran’s nuclear program, with experts emphasizing that recognition of Iran’s enrichment rights is crucial for progress in talks and delaying any snapback measures.
Etemad newspaper spoke with Abdolreza Faraji-Rad, a geopolitics professor. Key excerpts from the interview are as follows:
The visit of IAEA Deputy Rafael Grossi to Iran, following the bombing of the country’s peaceful nuclear sites, is an event of significant importance. Many in Tehran believe that Grossi, as Director-General of the IAEA, has paved the way for potential aggression against Iran. From another perspective, it appears that during this visit, the parties may discuss a new cooperation framework in an effort to outline a path toward an agreement.
We know that the current conditions—particularly the nature of Iran’s cooperation with the safeguards agency—differ from those before the bombing of nuclear facilities. At this stage, neither the agency’s cameras are operational, nor are its experts and inspectors present, as if cooperation is starting from scratch.
It is likely that the more flexible the safeguards agency is, the further talks with the U.S. and Europe will progress. Therefore, increased tension in technical discussions between Iran and the IAEA should not be unexpected. If consultations resume and the IAEA continues to raise previous safeguards issues as obstacles in the negotiations, reaching an agreement will be unlikely.
I believe one should not expect extraordinary outcomes in a single meeting—either a complete agreement is achieved, or none at all. However, the enrichment issue will certainly be the main focus of discussions. If the IAEA, in line with the U.S. and Europe, insists on zero enrichment, negotiations will essentially halt. But if the agency recognizes Iran’s enrichment rights under the JCPOA, talks can continue, and activation of the snapback mechanism will at least be suspended for a specified period.
