Overview
- The informal Security Council straw poll on Wednesday showed Rafael Grossi received seven affirmative votes, two negatives and six 'no opinion' marks from the 15 non‑permanent members.
- Rebeca Grynspan led the non‑permanent members with a 10‑1‑4 tally and Carolyn Rodrigues‑Birkett followed with 9‑2‑4, leaving them best positioned for the next rounds.
- Argentina’s government and the Foreign Ministry continue to officially back Grossi and are focusing campaign efforts on the next preliminary poll scheduled for August 21.
- The five permanent Security Council members — the United States, China, Russia, the United Kingdom and France — have not signaled firm preferences and any single permanent‑member veto can eliminate a candidate.
- Supporters point to Grossi’s IAEA tenure and a Time 100 mention as credentials, while critics say Argentina’s ties under President Javier Milei could affect votes, a charge the government denies and campaign officials say they will counter in later rounds.