International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

IAEA chief says US-Iran talks close to nuclear framework agreement

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Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Mariano Grossi gives a speech in Vienna, Austria on June 5, 2026. [Salih Okuroğlu – Anadolu Agency]

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi said Friday that negotiations between the United States and Iran appear close to producing a framework agreement on Tehran’s nuclear program, Anadolu reports.

Speaking at a news conference following a meeting of the IAEA Board of Governors, Grossi said the agency remains in contact with both sides, although it is not directly involved in the talks.

“Our sense is that they seem to be pretty close to agreeing on what I would describe more with regards to the nuclear … to sort of a framework, organizational structure to give themselves time to look into the different problems,” he said.

Grossi added that the IAEA has made several efforts to restore verification activities in Iran and stressed that Tehran’s obligations under its agreements with the agency remain in force.

“The issue here is multiple, because Iran has a number of obligations in terms of informing us and giving us access for our inspection work,” he said. “It is clear that under war circumstances, this is not possible, but there has been quite a long ceasefire.”

He noted that the agency had continued some activities at facilities selected by Iran, saying there is an “element of discretion” in terms of what Tehran allows the agency to see.

Grossi said Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium remains central to any future agreement.

READ: Trump says he does not need deal with Iran to get enriched uranium

Possible options include exporting the material, diluting it or keeping it in Iran under IAEA monitoring, he said, adding that any decision would ultimately be political.

Grossi, however, said the first step should be the agency going to Iran to check the amount.

‘Nuclear facilities should never be attacked’

Ahead of the meeting, Grossi also warned that nuclear facilities must not be targeted during conflicts.

“Regardless of where they are located around the world, nuclear facilities should never be attacked,” he said.

His remarks came after a visit to the Arab Gulf region, where he met regional leaders and toured the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the United Arab Emirates, which was struck by a drone on May 17.

“Attacks on nuclear facilities devoted to peaceful purposes are unacceptable. I solemnly reiterate my calls for the parties in this conflict and in all conflicts to respect the seven indispensable pillars for ensuring nuclear safety and security during a conflict,” Grossi said.

Calling for maximum restraint, he warned that military activities involving nuclear power plants and other nuclear facilities carry “unacceptable risks.”

Grossi stressed that the IAEA applies the same standards to all countries and situations.

“There are no double or triple standards here for the IAEA. An attack on any facility, wherever it is located, is unacceptable, a no-go, taboo,” he said.

He also warned of the potential environmental and public safety consequences of any major release of radioactivity resulting from an attack on an operating nuclear power plant.

“The only sustainable path to peace, stability and cooperation is one grounded in dialogue and diplomacy. This is what we are here for,” Grossi added. ​​​​​​​

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Continue ReadingIAEA chief says US-Iran talks close to nuclear framework agreement

Iran bars UN nuclear agency chief from entering country, refuses surveillance at nuclear sites

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International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi gives a speech in Vienna, Austria on June 23, 2025. [Aşkın Kıyağan – Anadolu Agency]

Iran’s foreign minister announced Saturday that the country will prohibit Rafael Mariano Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), from entering its territory and will also not allow the agency to install surveillance cameras at nuclear facilities, Anadolu reports.

“We will not allow the International Atomic Energy Agency to install cameras at our nuclear sites, and the agency’s chief will be banned from entering the country,” Abbas Araghchi said in a statement reported by the Iranian national news agency IRNA.

The announcement follows growing tensions between Tehran and the UN nuclear watchdog over monitoring access and transparency in the wake of recent military confrontations with Israel and the US.

READ: IAEA confirms no rise in off-site radiation levels after strikes on Iran nuclear sites

This move follows Iran’s parliament passing legislation on Wednesday to suspend cooperation with the IAEA.

A 12‑day conflict between Israel and Iran erupted on June 13 when Israel launched air strikes on Iranian military, nuclear, and civilian sites, killing at least 606 people and injuring 5,332, according to Iran’s Health Ministry.

Tehran launched retaliatory missile and drone strikes on Israel, killing at least 29 people and wounding more than 3,400, according to figures released by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

The conflict came to a halt under a US-sponsored ceasefire that took effect on June 24.

READ: Top Iran diplomat urges Trump to drop ‘disrespectful’ tone to Khamenei

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Continue ReadingIran bars UN nuclear agency chief from entering country, refuses surveillance at nuclear sites