Russia Urges Impartiality From IAEA Chief as Iran–Agency Standoff Deepens

Overview

• Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov called on IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi to adhere to neutrality, objectivity, and professionalism, according to TASS.
• Lavrov cited June strikes on Iran’s monitored nuclear sites and criticized the lack of condemnation from the agency’s leadership, as reported by Russian and Iranian state media.
• Iran has restricted cooperation and now considers the September Cairo technical understanding void after the IAEA Board passed a US–E3-backed resolution pressing for prompt reporting on enriched uranium and damaged facilities.
• Lavrov said the pause in Iran–IAEA relations was not caused by Tehran and pointed to Egypt’s efforts to restore dialogue.
• Iranian state media reported that Iranian intelligence alleges Grossi held secret contacts with Israeli officials, a claim that has not been independently verified.