Iran: Talks with IAEA have been positive; awaiting final text

Iran: Talks with IAEA have been positive; awaiting final text

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has indicated that negotiations with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) are nearing completion, with a potential new framework for cooperation on the horizon. Araghchi made these remarks during a conference in Tehran, stating that "good negotiations have been held" and that the two parties are "very close to arriving at a new cooperation framework" [2].

The talks come at a critical juncture, following months of strained relations between Iran and the IAEA. In June, Iran's parliament voted to suspend cooperation with the IAEA and imposed restrictions on the agency's inspectors. This decision was in response to airstrikes by Israel and the United States on Iranian military and nuclear facilities [2].

The IAEA's chief, Rafael Grossi, has expressed urgency in concluding these talks. He stated that the process cannot drag on for months and that a deal should be reached as early as this week. Grossi also emphasized that the agency's primary goal is to resume inspections, particularly at sites that were targeted in the recent strikes [3].

The new cooperation framework is expected to address conditions outlined in legislation passed by Iran's parliament, which restricts international oversight of its nuclear program. Araghchi has also indicated that indirect communication with the United States continues over the possibility of reviving broader nuclear talks [2].

Despite the progress in negotiations, the situation remains tense. The IAEA has not received information from Iran on the status or whereabouts of its stock of highly enriched uranium since the strikes. Grossi has confirmed that while the material appears to be intact, its verification is crucial [3].

The potential agreement between Iran and the IAEA comes as European countries, including Germany, France, and the United Kingdom, have triggered a 30-day process to activate "snapback" sanctions over alleged violations of the 2015 nuclear deal. Iran's Foreign Minister Araghchi has accused these countries of pursuing a "reckless" strategy and warned that their alignment with Washington will diminish Europe's global standing [1].

In conclusion, while the talks with the IAEA show positive progress, the situation remains complex and delicate. The final text of the new cooperation framework is eagerly awaited, as it could potentially pave the way for broader diplomatic efforts.

References:
[1] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/9/7/iran-fm-araghchi-warns-europe-against-reckless-approach-to-nuclear-deal
[2] https://talkwinchester.com/the-media-line-iran-says-new-cooperation-deal-with-iaea-is-near-completion/
[3] https://www.reuters.com/world/china/un-nuclear-chief-presses-iran-strike-deal-inspections-soon-2025-09-03/