Meeting of ‘Araghchi and Grossi’ in New York, as Sanctions Return Looms

The meeting between “Abbas Araghchi” and “Rafael Grossi” took place as little time remains before the possible return of United Nations sanctions against Tehran.

Abbas Araghchi, Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran, met yesterday Monday, September 22, with Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, on the sidelines of the annual session of the UN General Assembly in New York. According to Iran’s Foreign Ministry, Araghchi emphasized in this conversation the necessity of “the other parties adhering to their responsibilities” and avoiding “misusing the Security Council to pressure Tehran.”

Rafael Grossi had previously told the French news agency: “Clearly, we are now at a very difficult stage. We are facing a very difficult situation.” He added: “What matters is that communications continue. We have plans to see each other today, Monday, in New York and perhaps have more meetings during the week.”

Meanwhile, “Kaja Kallas,” the European Union’s foreign policy chief, warned that “the window for an agreement with Iran is very narrow” and it is unclear whether the return of UN sanctions, which were suspended under the 2015 nuclear agreement, will occur this weekend or not. Iran has also threatened to suspend its cooperation with the Agency if sanctions are reactivated.

According to a report by the “Guardian” newspaper, Tehran fears that the return of sanctions will portray Iran as violating international commitments and provide new justification for potential actions by the United States and Israel.

Concurrent with diplomatic moves in New York, “Benjamin Netanyahu,” Prime Minister of Israel, emphasized the necessity of confronting Iran in a meeting of his country’s military chief of staff. He stated: “We are overcoming our enemies in the current battle and must destroy the Iranian axis, and we have the power to do so. This goal lies ahead of us in the coming year, a year that could be historic for Israel’s security.”

Netanyahu also clarified: “I reiterate that we are determined to achieve all our objectives in this war; not only in Gaza, but on other fronts as well. Our goal is to create opportunities for security, victory, and also peace.”

Rafael Grossi, in his conversation with the French news agency, praised the efforts of “Emmanuel Macron,” President of France, in advancing nuclear negotiations and said: “Emmanuel Macron is very active. He has always been so and I have great respect for him.” He also referred to the consultations of “Steve Witkoff,” the Special Envoy of the United States government, and added: “Although the Agency is not part of a potential agreement between Tehran and Washington, it will play an essential role in any scenario.”

Grossi emphasized that the path of dialogue remains open and continued: “We are not at a point where the parties are not talking to each other, but does that mean I am optimistic? Well, I am neither optimistic nor pessimistic. But I still hope we can reach an agreement.”

The European Troika has also made the extension of the sanctions suspension contingent on Iran’s return to negotiations with Washington and cooperation with Agency inspectors.

Finally, the Agency’s Director General warned: “If no agreement is reached, we must steer the ship back on course with the aim of preventing confrontation and potential attacks.”