Iran, IAEA discuss nuclear issues in Vienna meeting

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister met with the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna on Monday to discuss Tehran's nuclear program.

"I had a frank and constructive discussion with the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)," Kazem Gharibabadi said in a post on X, of the meeting with Rafael Grossi.

He said the talks covered Iran-IAEA cooperation, the security of nuclear facilities and sanctions-related matter. While Iran remains committed to its safeguarding obligations, it must also ensure the protection of its national security, he said.

He added that resolving differences depends on an "independent, technical, impartial, and professional approach" by the agency. The relationship has been mired in disagreement in recent years, including Iran's banning one third of the UN's inspectors in 2023.

On Saturday, the United Nations' nuclear watchdog again warned that the Islamic Republic is very close to developing a nuclear weapon.

"Iran has an extremely ambitious and extensive nuclear program, under which it is enriching uranium to nearly weapons-grade levels," IAEA chief Grossi said. Last year he said Iran was "weeks not months" from a nuclear weapon.

On Sunday, amid a renewed policy of 'maximum pressure' under US President Donald Trump, US national security advisor Michael Waltz said the US wants Iran to abandon all aspects of its nuclear program, warning that all options are on the table should Tehran refuse.

"Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. All options are on the table to ensure it does not have one," Waltz told ABC News.

Iran denies seeking a nuclear weapon but the UN's nuclear watchdog last week pointed to a sharp rise in Tehran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium.

The IAEA has argued in the past that there is no credible civilian use for uranium enriched to 60%, which is a short step from weapons-grade 90% enriched fissile material.