Iran Nuclear Talks: Progress Made, Time is Limited – IAEA Chief Grossi

Geneva – Negotiations between Iran and the United States over Iran’s nuclear program have shown a “step forward,” but time is running out to reach a comprehensive agreement, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) warned on Thursday. The assessment came after a second round of indirect talks in Geneva, mediated by Oman, as tensions remain high and the possibility of military escalation looms.

Rafael Grossi, Director General of the IAEA, told French television channel LCI that “progress” had been made, but cautioned, “the problem is that we don’t have much time.” He described a growing possibility of “a dialogue that is really beginning to take shape,” with both sides now discussing “concrete things.” Grossi emphasized that reaching an agreement would be “enormously complex,” despite what he characterized as a “willingness on both sides to reach an agreement.”

The talks come against a backdrop of increasing regional instability. Earlier this week, Iran temporarily closed the Strait of Hormuz, a vital international waterway through which approximately 20% of the world’s oil passes, during live-fire exercises. The move, announced on Tuesday, was widely seen as a demonstration of force coinciding with the Geneva negotiations.

According to statements released by both Washington and Tehran, the recent discussions have focused on establishing “guiding principles” for a potential deal. Iran has indicated a willingness to allow the IAEA to “review” its nuclear program, a move that could potentially address concerns about its compliance with international safeguards. However, US Vice President JD Vance cautioned that significant disagreements remain.

The IAEA’s concerns center on Iran’s accumulation of enriched uranium, enough, according to the agency, to potentially produce ten nuclear weapons, although there is currently no evidence to suggest Iran is actively pursuing such a capability. The agency has also faced challenges in accessing sites previously bombed by Israel and the United States during a 12-day conflict in June, with Tehran accusing the IAEA of bias and failing to condemn the strikes. Cooperation with the IAEA was temporarily suspended following those events, hindering the agency’s ability to verify the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear activities.

The United Nations, through its Vienna-based IAEA office, is tasked with monitoring Iran’s nuclear program to ensure it remains for civilian purposes. Israel and other nations have repeatedly accused Iran of secretly pursuing a nuclear weapon, allegations that Tehran vehemently denies, while maintaining its right to develop nuclear technology for peaceful applications.

Adding another layer of complexity, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov issued a warning to the United States against any further military action against Iran, citing the potential for “serious consequences.” Lavrov pointed to previous attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities under IAEA supervision, warning of “real risks of a nuclear incident.” He emphasized that no country in the region desires increased tensions, describing any military escalation as “a game with fire” and urging restraint in the pursuit of a peaceful resolution.

The current diplomatic efforts are taking place amidst heightened geopolitical tensions. US Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated on Wednesday that the United States is determined to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons “one way or the other,” reiterating President Donald Trump’s firm stance on the issue. Wright emphasized that the US views Iran’s potential possession of nuclear weapons as “entirely unacceptable.”

The urgency of the situation is underscored by the limited timeframe for negotiations. Grossi’s warning that “we don’t have much time” reflects a growing concern that the window for a diplomatic solution may be rapidly closing. The combination of stalled negotiations, military posturing, and accusations of non-compliance creates a volatile environment with potentially far-reaching consequences for regional and global security. The outcome of these talks will likely have a significant impact on the future of Iran’s nuclear program and the broader geopolitical landscape of the Middle East.

On Wednesday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held a phone conversation with IAEA chief Rafael Grossi to discuss the latest developments in the indirect negotiations. State media reported that Araghchi thanked Grossi for his participation in the Geneva talks and expressed Iran’s focus on establishing a coherent framework to guide future discussions. Grossi reportedly gave a positive assessment of the latest round of talks and offered the agency’s support in shaping a negotiating framework.