Grossi comments on meeting with Russia's Lavrov in X post

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, during a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow, emphasized the importance of addressing Russia’s role in West Asia and the need to resume negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program. Grossi stated that limited access to Iranian nuclear sites and the scale of uranium enrichment prevent the agency from definitively ruling out Iran’s potential development of nuclear weapons. He expressed hope for a return to “predictable, long-term agreement” with Iran, though no timeline was provided.

The discussion also focused on the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), which remains in a conflict zone. Grossi highlighted ongoing concerns about military activity near the site, stressing that full operational resumption requires time and the absence of threats. While acknowledging Russian staff’s professionalism in maintaining safety, he underscored the need for continued IAEA-Russia collaboration.

Rosatom CEO Alexey Likhachev reiterated Russia’s stance that there is no evidence of Iran pursuing nuclear weapons, citing reliance on official reports from partner nations. He also confirmed Russia’s commitment to expanding nuclear infrastructure, including icebreaker construction for the Northern Sea Route, despite challenges.

Grossi’s X post following the meeting reiterated the critical need for safeguards at ZNPP to prevent accidents, emphasizing the importance of technical cooperation. The discussions reflect broader geopolitical and energy security implications, particularly as international stakeholders monitor nuclear developments in conflict-affected regions.

According to reports: https://www.uniindia.com/iaea-s-grossi-to-discuss-russia-s-role-in-west-asia-with-lavrov/world/news/3772935.html