Grossi explained during a meeting of the agency’s Board of Governors, comprising 35 countries, that the discussions have already seen positive steps. He expressed confidence in the possibility of achieving a successful outcome soon, but emphasized that “time is still available, but limited,” according to an official from the agency.
Iran’s ambassador and permanent representative to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Reza Najafi, announced on Sunday that the third round of technical negotiations between Tehran and the agency took place in Vienna last Friday and Saturday. He explained that the new round of talks addressed the mechanism for implementing safeguard commitments in light of the new situation following attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities and based on the decision of the Islamic Consultative Assembly. The two sides exchanged views on the terms of the directive text, according to Iranian news agency IRNA.
A secret report issued by the IAEA last Wednesday revealed that Iran’s uranium enrichment level is at 60% purity, which is close to the level required for making nuclear weapons. This was before the Israeli attack on its nuclear facilities on June 13. The report, accessed by Western media, indicated that Iran’s stockpile of 60% enriched uranium, in the form of uranium hexafluoride suitable for enrichment via centrifuges, reached 440.9 kilograms as of June 13.
According to the agency’s definition, 125 kilograms of 20% enriched uranium is theoretically sufficient for production if enrichment levels are increased. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced that his country is cooperating with the IAEA until the ongoing negotiations between the two parties are completed. The minister stated that the IAEA acknowledged the need for a new cooperation framework, according to Iran’s Tasnim news agency.
Iranian President Masoud had previously mentioned that dialogue and communication with America regarding Tehran’s nuclear program “do not mean defeat or surrender.” In a meeting with Iranian media, Bazshkian stressed that his government “has taken no step without interaction and coordination with Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and will not do so in the future.”
