IAEA-Iran talks in Vienna on August 24

Atomic energy agency officials will meet with Iran on Friday in Vienna to discuss remaining "outstanding issues" surrounding Tehran's contested nuclear drive, the agency announced Tuesday. The meeting on August 24, will allow "further discussions on a structured approach to resolve outstanding issues relating to Iran's nuclear program," the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said in a statement. IAEA chief inspector Herman Nackaerts and deputy director general Rafael Grossi were expected to attend the talks at the Iranian mission in Vienna, the agency also said. These new talks come ahead of a meeting of the U.N. atomic watchdog next month, which will likely feature Iran near the top of its agenda. In June, the IAEA and Iran had failed to agree a deal allowing greater access to Tehran's contested nuclear program. Meanwhile, world powers have been pursuing a separate track of dialogue to ensure Iran does not develop a nuclear weapon, as they fear. Tehran insists its nuclear program is only for civilian purposes. However, in recent weeks the rhetoric has heated up, with politicians, retired generals, former security officials and various commentators in Israel debating a possible pre-emptive strike against Iran.