A report dated April 16, 2025, from the New York Times indicates that U.S. President Donald Trump has halted a proposed Israeli attack on Iran’s nuclear installations. This represents a notable shift from his earlier hardline stance, as he now prioritises diplomacy and supports renewed nuclear talks with Tehran. The decision followed extensive internal discussions and a private letter to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, urging negotiations and warning of potential military consequences.
According to the newspaper, Israel formulated strategies in May to target specific sites, to delay Iran’s capacity to advance its nuclear weapon development by at least a year. The New York Times reported that Israel requested the U.S. support, which the Hebrew state deems necessary not only to protect Israel from potential Iranian reprisals but also to guarantee the success of the offensive. Following extensive internal discussions, Trump opted to pursue diplomatic negotiations with Iran instead of endorsing Israel’s proposed military intervention. Meanwhile, ahead of Iran’s second round of indirect talks with the United States, which are expected to take place in Oman on Saturday, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi engaged in discussions with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi during his two-day visit to Tehran, which comes at a time of heightened tensions regarding Iran’s nuclear program.
After the meeting, Araghchi wrote on X:
Had useful discussion with visiting IAEA chief Grossi. In the coming months, the Agency can play a crucial role in peaceful settlement of the Iranian nuclear file.
As variety of spoilers are gathered to derail current negotiations, we need a Director General of Peace.
Our… pic.twitter.com/bwWokSnGZj
— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) April 17, 2025
Gen. Michael E. Kurilla, the leader of US Central Command, along with Mike Waltz, the US national security adviser, had expressed a willingness to consider the Israeli plans. However, Trump’s obstruction of the Israeli-suggested joint operation against Iran, aimed at advancing the nuclear agreement, which ultimately necessitates that the IAEA operates with integrity and refrain from political involvement…
IMAGE: Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), described his recent visit to Tehran as part of an ongoing diplomatic effort to support progress in the indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States (Source: IRNA)
PRESS TV reports…
Iran’s nuclear chief urges IAEA to maintain neutrality in Tehran-Washington talks
Tehran expects the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to remain neutral and professional in its approach to the indirect negotiations between Tehran and Washington, says [Mohammad Eslami] the head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organisation.
Speaking at a joint press conference with IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi in Tehran on Thursday, Mohammad Eslami said that the two sides share an understanding on avoiding language or actions that Iran’s foes could exploit.
Iran and the United States kick-started indirect talks on the Islamic Republic’s nuclear program and termination of anti-Iran sanctions in the Omani capital of Muscat on Saturday. The two sides described the talks as positive and agreed to hold the second round next Saturday.
During the press conference, Eslami said deputy-level meetings between the IAEA and Iran’s nuclear agency will be held in the coming days to discuss outstanding issues and the details of ongoing cooperation.
He stressed that the 2023 joint statement between Iran and the IAEA had led to “good progress,” and that the remaining issues would continue to be addressed within the same framework.
IMAGE: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi (R) and IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi meet in Tehran on April 16, 2025. (Photo by Iran’s Foreign Ministry)
IAEA seeks to bridge Iran-US gap in nuclear talks
For his part, Grossi said the IAEA is in contact with both Iranian and US officials to help facilitate progress in their indirect negotiations.
The head of the UN nuclear watchdog said he is in touch with the American negotiator to explore how the IAEA can play a positive and constructive role. “We want to be a bridge between Iran and the United States and help reach a positive outcome,” he said.
Grossi described his meetings in Tehran, including talks with Eslami and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, as “deep and honest,” adding that the agency is committed to verifying any future agreement to ensure its credibility.
He noted the talks are at a critical stage, expressing optimism that a final deal is achievable if both sides show the necessary will.
Grossi also praised Iran’s peaceful nuclear achievements after visiting an exhibition on Iran’s nuclear achievements, but emphasised the IAEA’s responsibility to ensure non-proliferation. “It’s crucial that nuclear technology is used for peaceful purposes only,” he said, stressing that time is limited to reach a deal that resolves remaining concerns.
Grossi arrived in Tehran on Wednesday for his second visit under the current Iranian administration.
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