Tehran: Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmail Baghaei has called on the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to adopt an independent and professional approach towards Iran, free from political pressure exerted by certain countries. 'The Islamic Republic of Iran, as a responsible country committed to the NPT (the Non-Proliferation Treaty), that has a peaceful nuclear program, expects the agency to adopt an independent, professional approach free from political pressure and considerations regarding Iran,' Baghaei said in an exclusive interview with IRNA. According to Islamic Republic News Agency, the comments from Baghaei came as IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi is in Tehran for talks with top Iranian officials over unresolved safeguards issues regarding the country's nuclear energy program. Grossi arrived in Tehran on Wednesday night and is scheduled to hold negotiations with President Masoud Pezeshkian, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and Head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran Mohammad E slami on Thursday. Baghaei emphasized that hosting the IAEA's director general is a clear indication of Iran's willingness to maintain cooperation with the agency, based on commitments and obligations outlined in relevant international regulations and conventions. He further added that Iran expects the IAEA to persist with its technical activities and act within the framework of defined tasks, free from political maneuvering and pressure that certain member states may exert.