IAEA Chief Grossi May Play More Central Role In New JCPOA Talks

The Russian envoy to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action talks, Mikhail Ulyanov, is the latest delegate to confirm attendance to a fresh round of talks to bring Iran back into compliance with the nuclear accords.

• Ulyanov: "Looks like the Vienna Talks on restoration of the JCPOA will resume shortly. The delegations plan to come back to Vienna after a break of almost 5 months. The Russian negotiators stand ready for constructive talks in order to finalise the agreement."
• Stephanie Liechenstein of Foreign Policy: "Media tent construction has begun outside Palais Coburg in Vienna."
• In comments earlier, the US Special Envoy to Iran, Rob Malley said that the US delegation is keeping expectations in check ahead of talks.
• Malley: "The US welcomes EU efforts and is prepared for a good faith attempt to reach a deal. It will shortly be clear if Iran is prepared for the same."
• WSJ's Laurence Norman suggests that the new talks may hinge upon the more central role played by IAEA chief Raphael Grossi: "And at this point, [Grossi] may be as crucial to what happens next as anyone in US or Iran. Safeguards probe and how to handle it is the number one question now. Though not the only one."
• Yesterday, in an extended presser at the nuclear non-proliferation conference, Grossi attempted to frame himself as an apolitical mediator who can facilitate a fair deal for Iran through independent oversight of the Iranian nuclear programme.