DUBAI / GENEVA, Feb 16 (GeokHub) — Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi is set to meet with the head of the United Nations nuclear watchdog on Monday, ahead of renewed negotiations between Tehran and Washington aimed at resolving tensions over Iran’s nuclear program.
Araqchi confirmed he will hold talks with Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, for what he described as “deep technical discussions.” The meeting comes as U.S. and Iranian officials prepare for another round of nuclear diplomacy in Geneva.
Diplomacy Under Pressure
The latest talks follow indirect negotiations earlier this month in Oman. Both sides are attempting to bridge decades of mistrust while avoiding further military escalation in the Middle East.
Iran maintains that discussions should focus solely on its nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief. Tehran has firmly rejected U.S. demands to eliminate uranium enrichment entirely, arguing that enrichment for civilian purposes is its sovereign right.
Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi signaled that Iran is open to compromise if economic sanctions are lifted, saying it is now up to Washington to demonstrate its willingness to finalize a deal.
Military Posturing Continues
Diplomatic efforts are unfolding amid heightened military readiness. The United States has deployed a second aircraft carrier to the region and is preparing contingency plans should negotiations fail.
Iran has responded by increasing civil defense preparedness, including conducting drills at the Pars Special Economic Energy Zone in southern Iran.
IAEA Seeks Answers on Enriched Uranium
A key issue in the upcoming discussions involves Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium. The IAEA has been pressing Tehran to clarify the status of approximately 440 kilograms of enriched material following joint Israeli-U.S. strikes last year on nuclear sites at Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan.
Iran insists its nuclear program is strictly civilian and says it is willing to build confidence that enrichment activities will remain peaceful.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that any agreement must go beyond halting enrichment and include dismantling Iran’s nuclear infrastructure entirely. He has expressed skepticism about the prospects of a deal that leaves enrichment capabilities intact.
