Iranian FM, IAEA chief meet in Geneva for technical discussions ahead of U.S. talks

Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Monday met Rafael Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), for technical discussions on Tehran's nuclear issue.

The meeting was held at Araghchi's place of stay in Geneva, Switzerland, ahead of indirect nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States scheduled for Tuesday in the Swiss city, according to a statement released by the Iranian Foreign Ministry.

During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on technical issues pertaining to cooperation between Iran and the IAEA, within the framework of Tehran's safeguards obligations and in light of a law passed by the Iranian parliament in June last year that suspended bilateral collaborations. The statement added that the Iranian side also presented its technical perspectives regarding the indirect nuclear talks with the U.S.

Following the meeting, Grossi said in a post on social media platform X that the two sides held "in-depth technical discussions" in preparation for Tuesday's "important" negotiations.

Earlier in the day, Araghchi wrote on X that he is accompanied by Iranian nuclear experts during his visit to Geneva, with whom he would hold "deep technical discussions" with Grossi. He added that he would also meet Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi ahead of Tuesday's indirect talks.

"I am in Geneva with real ideas to achieve a fair and equitable deal. What is not on the table: submission before threats," said Araghchi.

Iranian and U.S. delegations, led by Araghchi and U.S. President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff, respectively, held their first round of talks in Muscat, Oman, on February 6. Witkoff is expected to again lead the U.S. delegation in Geneva, according to U.S. media reports.