Saudi Defense Chief Visits Tehran. High-Stakes Iran-US Nuclear Talks Resume/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ UN nuclear chief Rafael Grossi said negotiations between the United States and Iran over Tehran’s nuclear program are at a “very crucial” moment. Talks resume Saturday in Rome following earlier meetings in Oman, with global attention focused on the potential for a new nuclear deal. Tensions continue to rise as Iran accelerates uranium enrichment and the U.S. signals potential military action.
Key Developments – Quick Look
- IAEA Director Rafael Grossi visits Tehran, calls US-Iran nuclear talks “very crucial.”
- Iran and U.S. to resume negotiations Saturday in Rome following initial talks in Oman.
- Iran is enriching uranium to 60%, near weapons-grade levels, since 2018 U.S. withdrawal.
- Trump threatens military strikes if no deal is reached; Iran warns of pursuing a bomb.
- IAEA monitoring reduced; Iran limits inspector access and disables surveillance.
- Grossi says Iran “has enough material for several bombs.”
- Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman makes historic visit to Tehran.
- Saudi-Iran talks aim to reduce regional tensions, especially over Yemen and the Houthis.
UN Says Iran Nuclear Talks Enter Critical Stage as U.S. Renews Pressure
DEEP LOOKS
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) – The head of the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog declared Thursday that talks between Iran and the United States over Tehran’s nuclear ambitions have reached a “very crucial” stage, as diplomatic teams prepare for a new round of negotiations this weekend in Rome.
Speaking during a high-profile visit to Tehran, Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), acknowledged his agency would play a central role in verifying any future agreement between the two nations.
“There is a possibility of a good outcome,” Grossi told Iranian media. “Nothing is guaranteed, but we must work quickly to put the right pieces in place.”
Rome Talks to Resume Amid Escalating Tensions
Grossi’s remarks come as Iran and the U.S. prepare to resume direct talks in Rome on Saturday, following initial negotiations held last week in Oman. The talks aim to restore nuclear transparency and avert regional conflict as Iran’s uranium enrichment nears weapons-grade levels and the United States signals readiness to act militarily if diplomacy fails.
“We know we don’t have much time,” Grossi added. “That’s why I’m here. That’s why I’m in touch with the U.S. as well.”
Iran’s Uranium Stockpile Raises Alarm
Since President Donald Trump withdrew the U.S. from the 2015 nuclear accord in 2018, Iran has ramped up uranium enrichment to 60% purity—just short of the 90% threshold for a nuclear weapon. Surveillance by the IAEA has been significantly curtailed:
- Monitoring cameras disabled at key facilities.
- Experienced inspectors banned from entry.
- Increased rhetoric from Tehran about pursuing atomic weapons.
“It’s like a jigsaw puzzle,” Grossi said. “They have the pieces and could one day put them together.”
Trump Threatens Strikes, Iran Issues Warnings
U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly threatened military action against Iran if diplomatic efforts collapse. Tehran has responded with warnings of its own, raising fears of a regional war that could engulf neighboring countries.
Grossi, when asked about Trump’s threats, attempted to remain focused on the diplomatic path:
“Let’s concentrate on the objective,” he said. “Once we get there, these threats will evaporate.”
Saudi Arabia Sends Defense Minister to Tehran
In a significant development, Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman visited Tehran Thursday—the highest-level Saudi official to visit Iran since 1979. He was received with full honors by Iran’s top military official, Gen. Mohammad Bagheri.
The visit comes amid renewed Saudi-Iranian efforts to stabilize the region, particularly regarding the ongoing conflict in Yemen, where Iran-backed Houthi rebels have faced U.S. and Saudi opposition.
Saudi officials said the visit would include discussions on bilateral relations and regional cooperation, though no specific agreements were announced.
Geopolitical Stakes Higher Than Ever
The current round of negotiations is unfolding against the backdrop of multiple flashpoints:
- Israel-Hamas war continuing in Gaza.
- U.S. airstrikes against Houthi rebels intensifying.
- Chinese-mediated détente between Iran and Saudi Arabia under strain.
- Growing Western concerns about Iranian nuclear capability and regional aggression.
The urgency for a deal has rarely been higher, as both regional powers and global agencies fear the cost of diplomatic failure.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.