SAEDNEWS: The permanent representative of Russia to international organizations said that today's (Wednesday) trip of the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency to Tehran is an important one.
According to SAEDNEWS, quoting ISNA, Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), will travel to Tehran on April 16 and 17 (Farvardin 27 and 28) to hold important meetings with officials of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Mikhail Ulyanov, Russia's permanent representative to international organizations in Vienna, wrote in his Telegram channel: "The main focus of the discussions will be the cooperation between the IAEA Secretariat and Tehran, including the contentious issues between the two sides."
According to Ulyanov, "This visit is taking place at a time when the situation surrounding Iran’s nuclear program is at a crossroads. Two opposing trends are clearly visible: on the one hand, after three years of stagnation in Washington-Tehran relations, diplomatic efforts have resumed in a bilateral format between Iran and the United States. On the other hand, persistent efforts by the three European countries — the UK, Germany, and France — are keeping the conditions ripe for escalating tensions and possibly entering a phase of uncontrollable conflict."
He also wrote that, at the initiative of these three European countries and with two-thirds support in the IAEA Board of Governors, Grossi has been tasked with submitting a comprehensive report on the state of Iran's nuclear program before the end of May.
Ulyanov stated that the Europeans will likely use this report to accuse Tehran of violating its obligations under the IAEA Safeguards Agreement and may refer the issue to the UN Security Council.
The Russian diplomat added, "The direction of future developments depends on a combination of factors, and the quality of relations between the IAEA and Tehran will play a very significant role."
Ulyanov wrote: "This is what makes Grossi’s current visit especially important. Fortunately, the two sides have agreed to hold consultations in Tehran — a clear indication of their mutual willingness to engage in dialogue. It is hoped that this visit will take place in a positive atmosphere and contribute to progress in resolving existing disputes."
