Davos: Rafael Grossi, the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has suggested that the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) could serve as a framework for negotiating a new agreement with Iran. Speaking at the World Economic Forum, Grossi highlighted Iran's significant acceleration in uranium enrichment activities since 2018, when the United States withdrew from the nuclear deal and reinstated sanctions.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, efforts to revive the JCPOA began in April 2021 in Vienna, focusing on the U.S. rejoining the deal and lifting sanctions on Iran. Grossi emphasized that the original JCPOA is inadequate for addressing the current situation, indicating the necessity for a new agreement.

The IAEA chief has urged for diplomatic engagement between Iran and the administration of new U.S. President Donald Trump, who previously withdrew the U.S. from the JCPOA during his 'maximum pressure' campaign against Tehran. Grossi noted that initial statements from President Trump and his administration suggest a willingness to engage in discussions and potentially form a new agreement.

Grossi also acknowledged ongoing disagreements among key stakeholders at the negotiating table, which could pose challenges in reaching a new consensus.