Grossi: Iran-US Nuclear Talks Show Positive Signals/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ UN atomic watchdog chief Rafael Grossi says the outcome of Iran-US nuclear negotiations remains uncertain but ongoing dialogue is encouraging. Iran’s uranium enrichment levels remain near weapons-grade as diplomacy continues. Talks are being quietly brokered in Muscat and Rome, with rising pressure from both sides.
Iran Nuclear Talks: Quick Looks
- UN Chief Optimistic: Rafael Grossi sees continued talks as a positive sign
- Outcome Unclear: “The jury is still out,” Grossi tells journalists
- Iran Nearing Weapons-Level Enrichment: Uranium enriched to 60%
- American Inspectors in Future?: Iran signals openness under potential deal
- Talks Brokered in Oman & Italy: Five rounds held, sixth not yet scheduled
- IAEA Suggestions Offered: Watchdog giving guidance to both nations
- Revolutionary Guard Threatens US: Iran warns of retaliation if provoked
- Grossi Eyes Future at UN: Hints at interest in Secretary-General role
Grossi: Iran-US Nuclear Talks Show Positive Signals
Deep Look
UN Nuclear Chief Says Iran Talks Encouraging but Outcome Unclear
VIENNA, May 28, 2025 — The head of the UN’s nuclear watchdog offered cautious optimism on Wednesday about ongoing talks between the United States and Iran aimed at limiting Tehran’s nuclear capabilities. Speaking at a seminar in Vienna, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director-General Rafael Mariano Grossi said that while discussions continue, “the jury is still out” on whether a resolution will emerge.
Grossi, who maintains near-daily contact with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, emphasized that the mere fact negotiations are ongoing is “a good sign.”
“I think that is an indication of a willingness to come to an agreement,” Grossi stated, though he made it clear no deal had been reached. He added that IAEA Deputy Director Massimo Aparo — who leads the agency’s inspections arm — was in Tehran this week for direct monitoring engagements.
Iran’s Enrichment at Critical Level
Iran’s enrichment of uranium to 60% — just short of the 90% purity required for a nuclear weapon — remains a serious concern. Tehran continues to deny it seeks to build a bomb, but Grossi underscored the importance of transparency and verification.
“I always invite them to be absolutely transparent,” Grossi said of his discussions with Iranian officials. “They tell me a nuclear weapon is un-Islamic. I say, great — now show us.”
Iranian nuclear chief Mohammad Eslami reiterated Tehran’s denial of having received a U.S. proposal, contradicting President Donald Trump’s recent assertions. However, Eslami hinted that, if a deal is struck, Iran might allow IAEA inspection teams to include Americans — a significant gesture given the national sensitivities involved.
Talks Quietly Underway in Muscat and Rome
The discussions have taken place over five rounds in Muscat, Oman, and Rome, with mediation led by Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi. A sixth round has yet to be scheduled. The talks aim to revive a scaled-back version of the 2015 nuclear deal in exchange for lifting some U.S. sanctions.
Trump, who has threatened military strikes if Iran’s nuclear activities continue unchecked, maintains a hardline stance. Meanwhile, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has issued new warnings, with Gen. Hossein Salami declaring, “Our fingers [are] on the trigger… if they make a mistake, they will immediately receive responses.”
IAEA Urges Strong Verification
Any future agreement would require what Grossi described as a “solid, very robust” IAEA inspection framework to fully assess the extent of Iran’s nuclear capabilities after years of restricted access.
Grossi confirmed the IAEA has offered informal guidance to both parties, though he declined to elaborate. He stressed that peace remains possible despite heightened tensions: “There’s always a way.”
Grossi Eyes Potential Future at the UN
Asked about long-term ambitions, Grossi acknowledged interest in the role of UN Secretary-General, as António Guterres’ term ends in 2027.
“I’ve seriously considered it,” Grossi said. “But for now, I’m focused on the IAEA and the work at hand — and as you can see, there’s quite a lot.”
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