IAEA chief says no formal US-Iran talks yet, hopes informal contacts lead to negotiations

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi said on Tuesday that no negotiation process is currently underway between the United States and Iran, and that only informal contacts have taken place. In an interview with RIA Novosti, Grossi explained that the contacts occurred in New York on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly and during the current week.

Grossi reiterated that there are no full-fledged negotiations between Washington and Tehran yet, but informal contacts are taking place. He added that these exchanges are currently informal, but he hopes they will lead to the resumption of talks.

The IAEA chief's remarks come amid ongoing international attention on Iran's nuclear program and the status of diplomatic engagement between Iran and the United States. The agency has previously called for continued dialogue and access to Iranian nuclear sites.

According to Mehr News, Grossi's comments underscore the absence of a formal diplomatic track between the two countries at present, while leaving open the possibility of future negotiations.