UN Nuclear Watchdog Chief Says Iran-US Negotiations Face a Tight Deadline
Earlier on Wednesday, the White House advised Iran that reaching an agreement would be a prudent decision, as US President Donald Trump once again suggested the possibility of military action against the longstanding American adversary.
Rafael Grossi, head of the UN nuclear watchdog, said a “step forward” has been made in talks between Iran and the US in Geneva, but warned that “we don’t have much time.”
Both sides participated in Omani-mediated talks in the Swiss city this week, with US threats of military action looming over the negotiations.
In an interview with French TV channel LCI, Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, said, “We have made progress, but there is still work to be done, and the problem is that we don’t have much time.”
He said, “For the first time, negotiations are really taking shape.” The Argentine diplomat said, “We are starting to talk about concrete things, about what we need to do.”
He said he saw “a willingness on both sides to reach an agreement, but obviously such an agreement is very difficult.”
Tehran has suspended some cooperation with the IAEA and prevented the monitoring body’s inspectors from visiting sites bombed by Israel and the US during the 12-Day War last June. It has accused the UN body of bias and failure to condemn the attacks.
Earlier on Wednesday, the White House warned Iran that it would be “wise” to reach a deal, while US President Donald Trump again hinted at military action against the former US foe.
Trump first threatened military action against Iran in January over its deadly crackdown on anti-government protests.
Although talks between the two sides have resumed for the first time since previous negotiations failed during the 12-Day War, Washington has continued to increase its military forces in the Middle East.
