Tension intensifies - nuclear supervisors depart from Iran
In the aftermath of a 12-day war between Iran and Israel, which concluded with a US-brokered ceasefire on June 24, 2025, nuclear talks between Iran and the United States are set to resume. The diplomatic dance between the two nations will see White House Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi meeting in Oslo, Norway, next week [1][2][4].
The upcoming meeting marks a significant step in the ongoing diplomatic efforts, following recent tensions and military strikes by both the US and Israel on Iranian nuclear facilities. The exact date of the meeting is yet to be announced [3].
Iran, however, has made it clear that it remains open to diplomacy but seeks guarantees that the US will not resort to military action during negotiations [1][4]. This comes in the wake of the US entering the war and attacking three main nuclear facilities with bunker-busting bombs.
The conflict between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has escalated, with Iran suspending cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdogs on Wednesday [3]. According to a law passed in Iran, cooperation with the IAEA will remain suspended until the security of Iranian nuclear facilities is guaranteed. The National Security Council will decide on the resumption of cooperation when the conditions are met.
The extent of the damage caused by the US and Israeli strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities remains unclear [2][3]. Israel justified the war with the threat posed by Iran's controversial nuclear program, which Western governments fear could be used to develop nuclear weapons, a claim Iran vehemently denies.
Before the war, IAEA chief Rafael Grossi had warned that attacks on nuclear facilities could drive the Iranian leadership to build atomic bombs. Now, with the resumption of talks, Grossi urges the resumption of inspection activities in Iran as soon as possible [1].
Reports suggest possible new negotiations between Washington and Tehran, with preparations underway for the meeting between Araghchi and Witkoff in Oslo [4]. According to "Axios", the Iranian government has agreed to the meeting, but it is unclear if the Gulf state of Oman will act as a mediator as before.
Only a few IAEA specialists remained in Iran in recent days, with the IAEA inspectors leaving the country and making their way safely to Vienna [1]. As the diplomatic dance continues, the world watches with bated breath, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the nuclear standoff.
[1] Reuters, "Iran, U.S. to hold talks in Norway next week: reports", June 29, 2025. [2] BBC News, "Israel strikes Iranian nuclear facilities", June 23, 2025. [3] Associated Press, "Iran suspends cooperation with IAEA", June 27, 2025. [4] CNN, "Iran and U.S. to hold nuclear talks", June 29, 2025.
The upcoming nuclear talks between Iran and the United States, scheduled in Oslo, signify a crucial phase in the diplomatic process, following the recent war-and-conflicts and political tensions between the two nations. The talks will likely address the State of general-news, including the resumption of Iran's cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the damage caused to Iranian nuclear facilities, and the concerns about Iran's controversial nuclear program.
