US and Iran set for broader talks in Pakistan: IAEA chief

2026-03-25 - 10:10

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi has indicated that the anticipated talks between Washington and Tehran, scheduled to take place this weekend in Islamabad, will cover a far wider range of issues than previously expected. In an interview with Italy’s Corriere della Sera, Grossi revealed that discussions are likely to address Iran’s missile program, regional militias aligned with Tehran, and security guarantees for the Islamic Republic. Expanding the agenda “This time, there will also be missiles, militias allied with the Islamic Republic, security guarantees for Iran on the table,” Grossi stated. His remarks suggest a significant broadening of the diplomatic scope beyond the nuclear dossier, reflecting the urgent need to address the multiple dimensions of the conflict that has engulfed the Middle East since February 28. A diplomatic alternative The IAEA chief stressed that a temporary arrangement may be feasible without resorting to military action. He outlined a possible framework in which enrichment activities would be paused for the immediate future, with the issue revisited in five to ten years once political and security conditions improve. “There are alternative diplomatic plans that would allow both a solution that says that at the moment there will be no more enrichment because the political, military, and trust situation does not allow it; and, in principle, to reassess the issue in five or ten years’ time,” Grossi explained. Türkiye’s mediating role The upcoming Islamabad talks come amid intensified diplomatic efforts to halt the war that has claimed over 1,340 lives since the US-Israeli offensive began. Türkiye has been actively engaged in facilitating dialogue between the parties, with Ankara’s diplomatic channels playing a crucial role in creating the conditions for negotiations. Turkish officials have consistently advocated for a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of the conflict, including security concerns and regional stability. As a trusted interlocutor for both Washington and Tehran, Türkiye remains central to any credible path toward de‐escalation and a lasting ceasefire.