IAEA Warns as US-Iran Talks Move to Rome

IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi has warned that military attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities could cause severe environmental and radiological damage, as US-Iran nuclear negotiations intensify amid threats from Washington. Grossi’s visit to Tehran aims to resolve technical disputes, especially over Iran's enrichment of uranium to 60%, which exceeds the 2015 nuclear deal limits. The next round of US-Iran nuclear talks, now set for Rome with Omani mediation, follows a preliminary round in Muscat. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has expressed hope for a deal but remains firm that uranium enrichment is non-negotiable, while the US demands a halt to enrichment and hints at possible military action if talks fail. Russia continues to support Iran’s right to a civilian nuclear program, but Western nations remain wary of Iran’s intentions. The IAEA has found that Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile could rapidly be weaponized, heightening the importance of verification and compromise in the ongoing talks.