UN nuclear watchdog chief to arrive in Tehran Wednesday

The head of the UN nuclear watchdog, Rafael Grossi, will arrive in Tehran on Wednesday for discussions with senior Iranian officials, state media reported, ahead of new round of talks between Iran and the United States.

During his visit, Grossi is set to meet Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Mohammad Eslami, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), the state news agency IRNA reported on Monday, citing Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi.

Grossi said Monday he will discuss in Tehran the cooperation on the country's nuclear program, saying that diplomatic solutions were "urgently needed".

"Continued engagement and cooperation with the Agency is essential at a time when diplomatic solutions are urgently needed," Grossi said in a post on X, adding that he will "travel to Tehran later this week". According to a diplomatic source, the International Atomic Energy Agency head's visit is expected to take place on Thursday.