The head of the UN nuclear watchdog, Rafael Grossi, sounded an alarm about delayed talks between Iran and the United States, warning that both countries are fast losing time to seal a new nuclear deal. With the atmosphere in the region already tense, Grossi stressed that the negotiations are at a “crucial stage” and need urgent political momentum to prevent it from falling apart.
Grossi indicated alarm about the closing diplomatic window, with warnings that delaying might result in greater enrichment on Iran’s part and a loss of international inspection momentum. “It is a critical moment,” he said, urging both sides to move both urgently and in good faith.
The talks seek to restore aspects of the 2015 nuclear accord, which fell apart following the US withdrawal in 2018. Even after months of technical-level discussions, political will seems to be lacking, and there are concerns of an escalating crisis.
As the deadline ticks away, world powers are paying close attention, knowing that not agreeing might drive the region further toward instability. Grossi reaffirmed the IAEA’s support for dialogue but emphasized that time, as much as ever, is of the essence.
