Iran questions Rafael Grossi's independence for UN Secretary-General bid

Iran has expressed skepticism regarding the independence of IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi should he be elected as the next United Nations Secretary-General. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stated that Grossi may find it difficult to break his perceived patterns of bias, citing his handling of IAEA inspections of Iranian nuclear facilities.

Iranian officials, including Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi, have previously criticized Grossi for failing to condemn military strikes by the United States and Israel against Iranian nuclear sites. Grossi, however, has maintained in interviews that he would act independently and adhere to the UN Charter if selected for the leadership role.

Regarding the selection process, Grossi expressed hope for a relatively swift decision on the next Secretary-General, noting that the current process has not yet become protracted. The selection involves the five permanent members of the UN Security Council and ten non-permanent members. Current Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is set to complete his second term on December 31, 2026. Other candidates in the race include Rebeca Grynspan, Macky Sall, Maria Fernanda Espinosa, Ivonne A-Baki, Olara Otunnu, and Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett.