UN nuclear chief urges dialogue between Trump, Iran

DAVOS, Switzerland: The head of the UN nuclear watchdog called on the Trump administration and Iran on Wednesday to hold talks, as Tehran has accelerated its production of enriched uranium.

Rafael Grossi, the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said dialogue was “absolutely indispensable” to move forward in nuclear negotiations with Tehran. “Without that dialogue, there´s not going to be any progress,” Grossi told reporters at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

Comments from President Donald Trump and members of the new administration show “there is a disposition” to have a “conversation and perhaps move into some form of an agreement”, Grossi said.

Iranian officials also recognise that talks are needed, he noted. Iran´s nuclear programme has grown “dramatically” in terms of capabilities, facilities and inventory of nuclear material since the end of Trump´s previous term in 2021, Grossi added.

During his first term, Trump pursued a policy of “maximum pressure” against Iran, withdrawing the United States from a 2015 landmark nuclear deal which imposed curbs on its nuclear programme in return for sanctions relief.