Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
In a major diplomatic breakthrough, Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) signed a new cooperation agreement in Cairo on Tuesday, marking a significant step toward restoring technical collaboration between the two sides after months of tensions. The deal was hailed by Egypt as a message of hope for diplomacy in a region gripped by escalating crises.
The agreement was signed during a tripartite press conference held at the historic Qasr Al-Tahrir in downtown Cairo, featuring Egyptian Foreign Minister Dr. Badr Abdel Aaty, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi.
Egypt: A “Message of Hope” for Diplomacy
Egyptian Foreign Minister Abdel Aaty praised the agreement as a “milestone” that demonstrates the potential of dialogue even in the most difficult circumstances. He emphasized Egypt’s longstanding commitment to regional de-escalation, non-proliferation, and the peaceful settlement of disputes.
“The agreement signed today in Cairo between Iran and the IAEA sends a powerful message to the international community: that understanding and dialogue remain possible even in the darkest of times,” Abdel Aaty said.
He added that Egypt, under the guidance of President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, has worked tirelessly to foster calm and prevent the region from sliding into further instability, particularly in the wake of rising tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear activities.
The minister confirmed that President Sisi had received both Araghchi and Grossi earlier in the day for bilateral and joint meetings, reinforcing Cairo’s central role as a bridge for dialogue between Iran and international institutions.
Iran: Sovereignty, Security, and Cooperation
In his remarks, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi expressed gratitude to Egypt and President Sisi for their leadership in facilitating the agreement. He also took a firm stance on Iran’s sovereign rights and the need to protect its nuclear facilities.
“This agreement is a strong step forward, but it comes despite a hostile environment,” Araghchi said, referring to past attacks on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, which Tehran blames on Israel. “Iran will never forget these criminal acts,” he stated, adding that no country could be expected to continue cooperation with the IAEA while its nuclear sites are being sabotaged.
Araghchi affirmed Iran’s readiness to work with the IAEA under a new operational framework that respects its national security while enabling effective oversight under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
He also issued a stern warning against any new attempts to reinstate UN Security Council sanctions, calling such actions a breach of trust that would nullify the current cooperation.
At the same time, Araghchi condemned the recent Israeli airstrike in Doha, which targeted Hamas officials, calling it a “blatant act of aggression” and expressing solidarity with the people of Qatar and Palestine.
IAEA: A Step in the Right Direction
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi thanked Egypt for hosting the high-stakes negotiations at a time of extreme geopolitical sensitivity.
“What has been achieved today is not a comprehensive agreement, but it is a technical framework that allows us to resume the critical inspections necessary under the NPT and the safeguards agreement,” Grossi said. He emphasized that the deal sets out “concrete procedural steps” for restoring oversight within Iran’s nuclear program.
Grossi acknowledged the difficulties faced in previous months, particularly following sabotage incidents at Iranian facilities, but said the IAEA remained committed to constructive engagement.
“There is an art to peace-making, and today we exercised it,” Grossi stated, noting that the agreement represents a shared commitment to “working through complications with good faith and mutual understanding.”
He added that while the path forward remains challenging, “today is a meaningful start, and Egypt has played a vital role in making it possible.”
Strategic Significance and Next Steps
The agreement comes amid a highly volatile regional environment, including the continued war in Gaza, attacks on infrastructure, and deep divisions over Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Despite this, Cairo has emerged as a rare neutral platform capable of facilitating sensitive diplomacy.
While the full details of the agreement were not disclosed, all parties agreed that the framework would help restore transparency and reduce mistrust between Iran and the international community, provided that all sides honor their commitments.
Egypt, meanwhile, reiterated its dedication to supporting non-proliferation efforts and underscored its rejection of military solutions to nuclear disputes.
“This is a beginning, not an end,” Abdel Aaty cautioned. “There remains a long road ahead, but with mutual commitment, we can pave the way toward a safer, more stable Middle East.”
