Iran hopes new UN nuclear chief Rafael Grossi will act 'neutrally'

After Argentina’s Rafael Grossi was appointed as the new Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Iran hoped that the new chief of the UN nuclear watchdog will “neutrally and professionally undertake its international responsibilities and sensitive missions”. Grossi took the helm of the IAEA on Tuesday following the death of his predecessor, Yukiya Amano of Japan, in July.

Grossi had pledged to act independently and neutrally on issues pertaining to Iran. The agency is further tasked with monitoring Tehran's nuclear activities to assess its compliance with the 2015 agreement with major powers.

“Iran is ready to maintain and expand interaction and cooperation with the agency with goodwill and mutual respect," said spokesman of Iran's foreign ministry Abbas Mousavi in a statement on Thursday.

Grossi won the majority required for the appointment of Director General in an IAEA Board of Governors ballot. In a closed session, Grossi reportedly received the support of 24 members out of the 35-nation Board of Governors, ahead of Romania's Cornel Feruta with 10 votes. Rafael Grossi will succeed Yukiya Amano who passed away in office in July. 

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'Delighted to receive support'

IAEA's new Director-General said in a conference after being appointed that he is 'delighted' to have received strong support from the members of the agency. Furthermore, Grossi states that since there was a considerable difference between him and the other candidate, it means the board has come together behind him in the case to lead the agency for the next few years. The 58-year-old also acknowledged that the outcome was possible only because of the 'unfortunate' death of Amano. 

Grossi said, “The work of the agency is of the essence of international peace and security. This is clear, for all of us. It is also essential for development for so many things that the members of this agency care about”.

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