Resuming cooperation with IAEA 'key to successful agreement,' Grossi says
The head of the UN nuclear watchdog said Tuesday that he proposed a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to discuss Iran's nuclear program.
Rafael Grossi, director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), announced on X that he had written to Araghchi, “stressing this step can lead to a diplomatic solution to the long-standing controversy over the nuclear program,” and proposed they “meet soon.”
He also welcomed recent ceasefire announcements and said that resuming cooperation with the IAEA is “key to a successful agreement.”
A ceasefire between Israel and Iran came into effect at 0400GMT Tuesday following hours of intense attacks.
However, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz ordered his army earlier Tuesday to launch intense strikes on Tehran, accusing Iran of violating the truce. Iran denied the claim, vowing a resolute response to any new strikes.
The ceasefire was initially announced by US President Donald Trump, who said it would involve a phased halt to operations – with Iran beginning the ceasefire first and Israel following 12 hours later. A full end to hostilities was to be declared at the 24-hour mark.
On Monday, Iran launched a barrage of missiles at the US military's Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, marking a dramatic escalation in tensions following US strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites on Sunday.
The US attacks came as part of a US-backed Israeli military assault on Iran that began June 13 and prompted Tehran to launch retaliatory attacks on Israel.
