Iran Confirms No IAEA Director Participation in Talks; Nuclear Issues Deferred

An informed source from the Iranian negotiating delegation confirmed that Rafael Grossi, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), is not participating in the ongoing discussions between Iran and the United States in Switzerland. The source denied reports claiming his presence at the negotiation site.

The Iranian news agency Fars quoted the source as stating that the nuclear dossier is not included in the agenda of the current round of talks. The source also noted that none of the members of the Iranian nuclear committee are part of the delegation present in Switzerland.

According to the source, the current discussions do not address nuclear issues. The nuclear file is expected to be introduced later on the Iranian agenda, after the implementation of articles one, four, ten, and eleven of the memorandum of understanding signed between Tehran and Washington.

A source close to the Iranian delegation indicated that reopening the Strait of Hormuz is conditional upon the cessation of attacks originating from Lebanon.

Separately, Iranian television reported that the Iranian delegation in Switzerland will not hold a meeting with Rafael Grossi, the IAEA Director General.

Grossi had announced that he held a meeting with Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis at the Swiss resort of Burgistein to discuss recent developments related to Iran, upcoming steps, and the significant role played by the IAEA.

In a post on the platform X, Grossi stated, "This critical moment requires giving diplomacy every possible chance to succeed," emphasizing the importance of continuing diplomatic efforts to address existing issues.

Grossi expressed gratitude to Switzerland for its ongoing support of the agency and its firm commitment to multilateral diplomacy, underscoring the importance of this support in strengthening international efforts aimed at maintaining security and stability.

These statements coincide with the start of Iran-US talks in Switzerland, mediated by Qatar and Pakistan. Both sides are focusing on following up on the implementation of the memorandum of understanding's provisions and progressing toward a final agreement. Tehran maintains that discussions on the nuclear file remain contingent on fulfilling the fundamental commitments outlined in the agreement.

The world watches closely as the Switzerland negotiations test Tehran's conduct.