New UN nuclear watchdog chief faces Iran crisis

VIENNA－Argentine diplomat Rafael Grossi was confirmed as the new director general of the United Nations nuclear watchdog agency on Monday, with the growing crisis over Iran's nuclear program at the top of his in-tray.

The veteran diplomat, who has been serving as Argentina's ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency, or IAEA, will be the agency's first leader from Latin America.

Grossi previously held high-level posts at the Vienna-based agency between 2010 and 2013, bringing him into contact with Iranian officials at a time when international negotiations over Iran's nuclear activities were intensifying.