Grossi says Iran transparent, no proof of nuclear militarization
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IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi says there’s no conclusive evidence Iran has an unnatural nuclear program as he warns of risks in Syria, Ukraine, and raises concerns about the Israeli rhetoric.
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International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi visits the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant (KNPP) outside the town of Kurchatov, in the Kursk Region, Russia, on Tuesday, August 27, 2024 (Rosatom State Atomic Energy Corporation)
The Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, has stated that while the agency has found “some issues” during its inspections, there is no conclusive evidence to indicate the existence of an “unnatural nuclear program” in Iran.
“We found some issues, but there is no conclusive evidence to suggest the existence of an unnatural nuclear program,” Grossi said, adding that the IAEA does not make accusations, but rather investigates based on factual findings. “The claims that Iran's nuclear program is not peaceful cannot be verified. There are no accusations; we are talking about certain reports.”
Grossi acknowledged that while Iran has not provided fully clear answers to all outstanding questions, “there are new elements that did not exist in 2015,” the year the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) was signed. However, he declared the JCPOA “tailored for the circumstances at the time,” saying “its time is up” and that the agreement “cannot be revived.”
Iran not prohibited from uranium enrichment
Regarding uranium enrichment in Iran, Grossi clarified that it is not prohibited, but warned, “A country accumulating it and approaching weapons-grade levels cannot be overlooked.”
He also emphasized that the IAEA is not awaiting outcomes from indirect negotiations between Iran and other powers, noting, “We are aware that Iran’s stance on them will greatly impact other matters.”
In late May, US President Donald Trump confirmed that he had advised Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against taking military action that could undermine diplomatic efforts.
But The New York Times reported that Netanyahu is actively threatening to derail the US-Iran nuclear talks by launching military strikes against Iran’s nuclear facilities.
Major General Hossein Salami, the Commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC), warned Wednesday that it was not Iran’s nuclear facilities that would be destroyed, but the targets of the Israeli occupation entity.
In exclusive remarks to Al Mayadeen, Salami emphasized Iran’s unwavering determination to uphold the rights and independence of the Iranian people.
“The Israelis are well aware of our capabilities," the Iranian general pointed out, warning, "If we are attacked, everyone involved will regret it.”
IAEA able to resume operations in Syria
Turning to Syria, Grossi highlighted the importance of recent developments there. “What we are doing in Syria is extremely important. The [nuclear] issue was suspended for the longest time, and we were unable to carry out our duties,” he said.
Grossi added that interim Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa had granted the agency access to nuclear sites, making it possible to pursue key revelations. “My visit there was highly important,” he noted, urging continued cooperation from Syrian leadership within a “short timeframe.”
On Ukraine, Grossi described the situation at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant as “fragile,” warning that the ongoing degradation of infrastructure “continues to affect nuclear safety.”
Grossi also addressed rising tensions involving the Israeli occupation, saying: “Israel is raising many concerns, and we are attempting to resolve them diplomatically.” He stressed that statements by Israeli officials about a potential attack are “the responsibility of its government.”
Grossi reaffirmed the IAEA’s commitment to neutrality and scientific integrity. “We will have talks about the report,” he said. “We are talking about facts that do not need interpretation.”
