Iran-US Talks: IAEA Verification Moves to Center Stage in Renewed Nuclear Diplomacy

International nuclear verification has emerged as the linchpin of the renewed Iran-US nuclear diplomacy, with both sides meeting IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi separately in the days surrounding Tuesday’s indirect talks in Geneva. The second round of negotiations, facilitated by Oman, ended with Iran and the US agreeing on guiding principles and committing to exchange draft texts ahead of a further session.
Foreign Minister Araghchi confirmed after the talks that progress had been made on verification-related issues, describing the session as more constructive than the first round. He said both delegations would now begin the more detailed work of comparing written positions in preparation for a third meeting in approximately two weeks.
The role of the IAEA is particularly complex in the current circumstances because US airstrikes have damaged significant portions of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. The extent of this damage — and how many centrifuges could potentially be restarted — remains unknown even to the inspectors currently working inside Iran. Any deal would require IAEA teams to be given comprehensive access to assess the situation and verify compliance.
Iran’s specific proposals included the dilution of its 40-kilogram stockpile of 60% enriched uranium — material that serves no civilian nuclear purpose — and expanded cooperation with IAEA inspectors at the three main bombed nuclear sites. These proposals were designed to address the most acute proliferation concerns while preserving Iran’s right to continue enrichment in principle.
The broader context of the talks was shaped by persistent tensions: military threats from Khamenei, ongoing US naval buildup, Iranian military exercises in the Strait of Hormuz, and the political crisis generated by the violent suppression of domestic protests. With over 10,000 demonstrators summoned for trial and reformist politicians being systematically arrested, the Iranian government that negotiated in Geneva was simultaneously fighting for its political survival at home.