Both US, Iran Want Agreement on Nuclear Program: IAEA Chief
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – The head of the United Nations' nuclear watchdog said he believes both the United States and Iran are interested in reaching a deal in ongoing talks over Tehran’s nuclear program, despite the difficulties involved.
Rafael Mariano Grossi, director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), made the comments during an interview with AP in Damascus.
“I think they both want an agreement,” Grossi said.
“Which doesn’t mean that it’s easy to get, but—simple and obvious as this may sound—having two sides that want an agreement is an enormous advantage.”
He emphasized the significance of mutual willingness, drawing on his extensive experience in diplomacy.
“In my long diplomatic career, I have participated in negotiations where it was not necessarily the case that the sides wanted an agreement,” he said.
“They were coming to the negotiating table because there was no other chance. They were coming to try to distract. They were coming in the hope that it would fail.”
Grossi said he had spoken to US special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff and sensed the “disposition of President Trump, as he himself has said, to have an agreement.”
He also referred to recent talks with Iranian officials.
“When I talk to President Pezashkin, as I did last November, or Foreign Minister Araqchi, I think they also recognize” the opportunity for progress, he said.
He pointed out that past negotiations included multiple parties such as China, Russia, and European countries.
“Unlike in the past—you had a bigger table—now it’s one-on-one, and we will see what happens,” Grossi said.
The IAEA chief concluded by underscoring the importance of supporting both sides.
“I think it is important. This is why we have to support them both,” he said.
Iran and the US have held five rounds of talks since April 12, mediated by Oman, with the purpose of reaching a deal on Iran’s nuclear program and the removal of sanctions on Tehran.
