IAEA chief highlights importance of restoring IAEA inspections in Iran

VIENNA - Restoring the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspections in Iran would create "promising ground" for wider progress, said the agency's Director General Rafael Grossi as he addressed the IAEA Board of Governors on Monday.

Grossi said Iran's nuclear program remained at the center of IAEA efforts, adding that he had been "continuously and systematically" reaching out to restore the indispensable cooperation between the IAEA and Iran.

He noted that "progress has been made" during ongoing technical discussions.

The success of the discussions between Iran and the IAEA would underline the importance of "important diplomatic consultations and processes," which are promising and can "advance towards positive outcomes," he said.

"There is still time, not much, but always enough when there is good faith and a clear sense of responsibility," Grossi said.

Iran suspended its cooperation with the IAEA after the Israeli-U.S. strikes on its nuclear facilities and the assassination of Iranian nuclear scientists in June. However, the nuclear watchdog keeps in contact with the Iranian authorities. On Saturday, Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said that Iran and the IAEA are "very close" to agreeing on a new framework for the resumption of bilateral cooperation.