Also available in Persian — نسخه فارسی EN فا
❓ Unknown

Grossi: The Agency Will Assist Iraq in Developing a Peaceful Nuclear Program

Feb 4, 2026 February 4, 2026 1 min read 📰 VOA Persian
📋 Key Takeaway

Rafael Grossi of the IAEA discussed with Iraqi PM Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani the agency's support for Iraq's peaceful nuclear program. This includes a visit from Iraqi experts to Vienna to create a roadmap for nuclear development. The significance lies in Iraq's renewed interest in nuclear energy amid regional dynamics.

🔍 Quick Context Guide
💡 Bottom Line: Iraq's pursuit of a peaceful nuclear program with IAEA support marks a significant step in regional energy dynamics.

👥 Key Players

Rafael Grossi MENTIONED
Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
"He leads the IAEA, which plays a crucial role in monitoring nuclear programs globally to ensure they are peaceful."
Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani MENTIONED
Prime Minister of Iraq
"As the head of the Iraqi government, he is pivotal in shaping Iraq's energy policies, including nuclear energy development."
Naim al-Aboudi MENTIONED
Iraqi Minister of Education
"Involved in discussions about Iraq's nuclear program, indicating the educational and scientific dimension of the initiative."

📰 What Happened

Rafael Grossi met with Iraqi leaders to discuss IAEA support for Iraq's peaceful nuclear program, including plans for a roadmap and a visit by Iraqi experts to Vienna.

  • Iraq is interested in developing a peaceful nuclear program with IAEA assistance.
  • Iraq had nuclear reactors in the past, which were destroyed in military actions.

💡 Why It Matters

🇮🇷 For Iran: Iran may view Iraq's nuclear ambitions with caution, given its own contentious nuclear program and regional rivalries.
🌍 Regional: This development could shift regional power dynamics, especially with other Middle Eastern countries pursuing nuclear energy.
🌐 International: International stakeholders, particularly Western countries, will be interested in ensuring Iraq's nuclear program remains peaceful.

📚 Background

Iraq's interest in nuclear energy is part of a broader trend in the Middle East, where several countries are exploring nuclear power for peaceful purposes.

Middle East nuclear energy programs IAEA's role in global nuclear regulation
📡 Source: INTERNATIONAL
📊 Confidence: 70%
The source appears to provide a neutral, factual account of the meeting and its implications.

Rafael Grossi, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), met with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani on Monday to discuss the agency's assistance to Iraq in developing a 'peaceful nuclear program.' After the meeting in Baghdad, Iraqi Minister of Education Naim al-Aboudi told reporters, 'We have discussed several projects in Iraq, including the construction of a nuclear reactor for peaceful purposes.' Rafael Grossi also mentioned that a team of Iraqi experts will visit the agency's headquarters in Vienna in the coming days to prepare a 'roadmap for Iraq's peaceful nuclear program.' The Director General added that Iraq, like the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, is interested in utilizing nuclear energy. Iraq had three nuclear reactors during the time of Saddam Hussein at its main research site located south of Baghdad, known as 'Tuwaitha.' One of these reactors was destroyed in an Israeli airstrike in 1981, and the other two were eliminated by American fighter jets in 1991 following Saddam's invasion of Kuwait. Rafael Grossi stated, 'Certainly, turning the page on this complex past is essential, and we are precisely doing that.'

🌐

Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →

Translation confidence: 85%

📰 Related Coverage

⚖️ Independent Platform — Artesh.com is not affiliated with any government, military, or political organization. Editorial Policy →