TEHRAN – On Monday evening, Rafael Grossi, the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), paid a visit to Pol-e Khaju during his mission to Isfahan.

The UN nuclear watchdog chief was accompanied by his technical negotiating team and Mohammad Eslami, who leads the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), when they walked on the arch bridge built by Shah Abbas II in about 1650.

Grossi touched down in Tehran on Monday morning for discussions with Iranian officials and participation in a nuclear-related conference hosted in Isfahan, home to the imposing bridge.

The conference, scheduled from May 6 to 8, is set to address various aspects of Iran's nuclear advancements and provide a platform for international dialogue on nuclear issues.

Upon his arrival in the Iranian capital, Grossi and his team were welcomed by Behrouz Kamalvandi, the Spokesman of the AEOI. His visit to the iconic landmarks may underscore the importance of cultural exchange alongside nuclear diplomacy.

Khaju Bridge is arguably the finest of Isfahan’s historical bridges, with traces of the original paintings and tiles that decorated its double arcade still visible.

The bridge also doubles as a dam with locks in the lower terraced arcade regulating water flow. A pavilion in the middle was exclusively built for the pleasure of the Safavid monarch.

AM