Grossi highlights Russia’s pivotal role in resolving Iran nuclear standoff
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi announced that “dialogue continues” with Iran over the country’s peaceful nuclear program and Russia plays a “very important” role in resolving the situation surrounding the high-profile issue.
Grossi told Russia’s RIA Novosti news agency on Monday that the IAEA recorded “good” progress in resuming inspections following the June strikes by the US and Israel on Iranian nuclear facilities
“We have managed to restore and resume inspection activities, but they are very limited. We are only allowed to access sites that were not hit. This is good in the sense that these sites are on the agreed-upon list of those subject to inspection. This is important for us,” Grossi said.
“We have begun a dialogue with Iran. I am in very regular contact with the [Iranian] Foreign Minister and other officials, but the level of cooperation remains limited. That is the current situation,” he added.
Asked whether the IAEA-Iran negotiations are in place, Grossi confirmed that, “The dialogue continues.”
Pointing to the role Moscow could Russia play in helping resolve the situation surrounding the Iranian nuclear program, Grossi said, “Very important. I've had the honor of discussing this issue with President Putin, the Foreign Minister, Mr. Likhachev, and representatives of the Ministry of Defense. My message here has always been consistent. Russia is the depository of the NPT and, for over 50 years, has played a key role in these matters, along with the United States. And Russia has played an indispensable role in everything concerning Iran."
Stressing that Russia has always been a “very strong supporter” of the non-proliferation regime, the IAEA chief said, “We cannot afford to lose Russia as a pillar of nonproliferation. That would be a crushing blow to the entire nonproliferation regime. I truly believe that Russia has an irreplaceable role, but how and when to play it is up to Russia itself.”