UN watchdog seeks Iran talks; Trump sets two-month deadline

The United Nations nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), recently held discussions with a senior Iranian official. However, these talks did not result in a significant breakthrough regarding Iran's nuclear activities. This situation highlights the pressing need for a diplomatic solution to the ongoing conflict between Iran and the United States. IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi stated that he may visit Tehran again soon to continue the discussions. He described the current moment as very important. Grossi noted that there has been communication from U.S. President Donald Trump to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Trump set a two-month deadline for Iran to agree on a new nuclear deal, warning of possible military action if they do not comply. Iran has said that it is considering its response to Trump’s letter. The country has also warned of serious consequences if the U.S. takes aggressive actions. Recently, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister met with Chinese and Russian diplomats at IAEA headquarters. These countries urged all parties to focus on resolving the underlying issues without the use of sanctions or threats. In 2018, the U.S. withdrew from a nuclear deal that had restricted Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. Since then, Iran has increased its uranium enrichment levels. The IAEA is preparing a report on Iran's violations, as the country has not provided satisfactory explanations for the presence of uranium traces found at undisclosed sites. Grossi expressed concern about the unresolved past issues and the challenges in reaching a new agreement for the future.