Iran (IMNA) - Speaking to The National during a visit to London for a United Nations election event, Grossi said he hopes his experience mediating nuclear-related issues involving Iran and the United States, as well as Russia and Ukraine during the Zaporizhzhia nuclear crisis, will contribute to strengthening confidence in the UN’s role as a peacemaker.
“I would hope that with the extensive background I have in the Middle East, we could put that experience to good use in order to give the process the comprehensiveness it needs,” he said.
Grossi also voiced confidence that the IAEA would be able to rebuild its relationship with Iran after Tehran accused him of providing the Israeli regime with a pretext to target Iran’s peaceful nuclear facilities last year.
“I am sure we will get there. There is a minimal dialogue and exchange that we have, but it's very limited at the moment,” Grossi said. He noted that Iran’s position is that while the conflict continues, conditions are not yet suitable for the resumption of full cooperation with the agency.
The IAEA chief, who is also seeking election as the next UN Secretary-General, criticized what he described as the United Nations’ limited role in addressing major international conflicts, including the recent US-Israeli military actions against Iran.
Commenting on the challenges facing the global nuclear non-proliferation framework, Grossi said review processes are often disrupted by regional crises. He pointed to conflicts in the Middle East, the war in Ukraine, and attacks on nuclear facilities as factors that have complicated international efforts.
He emphasized the importance of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), saying its achievements should not be taken for granted, while warning that the treaty currently faces significant challenges and risks.
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