IAEA chief backs potential Trump-Kim meeting, calls it 'very important': report

The head of the United Nations nuclear watchdog agency has voiced his backing for a possible summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, describing it as a matter of great significance, according to a recent report. Rafael Grossi, the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, made these remarks in an interview with The Washington Post, as the U.S. president has recently indicated his desire to meet with Kim later this year.

Grossi emphasized the importance of their meeting, stating, "It's very important that they meet." He further added, "Leaders need to see each other." Grossi also expressed his belief that Kim's history as a human rights abuser and autocrat should not be a reason to avoid engagement. He pointed to U.S. President Trump's efforts to facilitate a deal between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, highlighting the value of diplomacy.

Grossi noted that while some might question the feasibility of a handshake between such figures, he maintained that "shaking hands is what diplomacy is for." He concluded, "And then, after the handshake, hopefully, there will be a conversation, and in that conversation, there is potential for change."