Iran's Nuclear Impasse: Diplomacy's Narrowing Window

As regional tensions escalate, the head of the IAEA warns that diplomatic avenues to negotiate Iran's nuclear programme are shrinking. Despite ongoing discussions in Tehran, gaps persist, with Iran advancing its uranium enrichment. International efforts seek resolution ahead of an IAEA Board meeting.

The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has cautioned that diplomatic opportunities to address Iran's nuclear programme are rapidly diminishing, amid intensifying conflict in West Asia and potential changes in U.S. leadership.

Rafael Mariano Grossi's visit to Tehran aims to reinstate inspectors' access and resolve lingering questions about Iran's atomic advancements. Despite past efforts, cooperation remains limited since the U.S. withdrawal from the nuclear agreement in 2018.

Grossi's statements, alongside his Iranian counterpart, underscore substantial negotiation hurdles. As the IAEA Board of Governors prepares to meet, the urgency for actionable progress is evident, with Iran enriching uranium to near weapons-grade levels and restricting agency oversight.

(With inputs from agencies.)