Rafael Grossi, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), stated that the agency has not found evidence of Iran developing a nuclear bomb. However, he noted that it cannot confirm the peaceful intentions of Iran’s nuclear program.
In a post on social media platform X, Grossi expressed his concerns regarding Iran’s nuclear activities. He emphasized that while there is no evidence to suggest Iran is creating a nuclear weapon, the country’s substantial stockpile of enriched uranium, which is close to weapons-grade, raises serious alarms. Additionally, Iran’s refusal to grant full access to IAEA inspectors complicates the agency’s ability to assess the situation.
“In my reports on Iran’s nuclear program, I have been very clear and consistent: despite the lack of evidence that Iran is making a nuclear bomb, its large quantities of enriched uranium and refusal to provide my inspectors with full access raise serious concerns,” Grossi stated.
Grossi further remarked that until Iran cooperates with the IAEA to resolve outstanding issues regarding guarantees, the agency will be unable to confirm that Iran’s nuclear program is solely for peaceful purposes.
Recent developments have added to the complexity of the situation. On March 2, during a meeting of the Board of Governors, Grossi expressed the IAEA’s concerns over military actions in the Middle East. This came in light of reports from Iran claiming that a nuclear facility in Natanz was damaged during airstrikes carried out by the United States and Israel.
Furthermore, on February 28, Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Al-Busaidi announced that Iran had agreed to relinquish its stockpile of enriched uranium and allow IAEA access to its nuclear sites to verify compliance with the terms of the agreement.
Rafael Grossi, IAEA Director General, has reported no evidence of Iran developing nuclear weapons, but concerns persist regarding its enriched uranium stockpile and access for inspectors. Recent military actions and diplomatic developments further complicate the situation.