IAEA Chief Issues Warning to Iran: Must Improve Cooperation or Risk Further Conflict
Urgent Need for Enhanced Collaboration
Rafael Grossi, Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has issued a stark warning to Iran, emphasizing that the country must “seriously improve” its cooperation with UN inspectors to avoid escalating tensions with Western nations. In an interview with the Financial Times, Grossi pointed out that since the onset of the conflict between Iran and Israel in June, the IAEA has conducted numerous inspections in Iran. However, it has been denied access to key nuclear sites, including Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, which sustained damage during military strikes by the United States and Israel.
Concerns Over Uranium Enrichment
Despite the significant damage to these facilities, the status of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile, which includes approximately 408 kg of uranium enriched to 60%, remains unclear. This uncertainty has heightened the “sense of urgency” regarding the need to restore oversight, Grossi stated. He underlined that “we should have already resumed inspection operations,” reiterating that Iran must adhere to its obligations under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).
Grossi also criticized the notion that the IAEA should alter its stance due to Iran’s wartime situation, stating, “It’s not acceptable to expect the agency to treat you differently just because you’ve been affected by war.”
Iran’s Response and Political Backlash
In response to the ongoing conflict, Tehran has suspended its collaboration with the IAEA, leading Iranian politicians to sharply criticize Grossi and the agency. They claim that a recent IAEA board decision, which declared Iran’s non-compliance just before the outbreak of hostilities, provided justification for Israeli military action.
Diplomatic sources have warned that Israel may resume airstrikes on Iranian targets if concerns regarding enriched uranium remain unaddressed and if no progress is made toward a nuclear agreement between Washington and Tehran.
Current Monitoring Techniques
While the IAEA has relied on satellite imagery to monitor bombed sites, Grossi stated that, at this time, there is no need to escalate the issue to the UN Security Council. However, he emphasized that “the level of cooperation needs to improve seriously.”
Reports indicate that after a preliminary agreement between Grossi and Iranian officials in September, some access was granted to IAEA inspectors at certain sites. Nevertheless, European nations activated the “snapback” mechanism in the UN to restore international sanctions against Iran later in the month, citing the country’s non-cooperation as the main reason for this action. This move drew a strong backlash from Tehran.
Statements from Iranian Officials
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ismail Baghaei stated that “contradictory remarks from agency representatives will not foster cooperation between Iran and the agency.” He stressed Iran’s right to enrich uranium under the NPT and indicated a willingness to discuss potential limits but remained firm on continuing its enrichment program.
Despite prior damage to facilities, Grossi believes that most of the enriched uranium-at levels of 60%, 20%, 5%, and 2%-remains intact. He described the presence of such highly enriched material as a significant concern given its proximity to weapons-grade enrichment levels.
Future Implications
Iranian President Masoud Pashakian, during a visit to the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, assured that the nation would rebuild its nuclear facilities to be stronger, asserting that the knowledge to do so rests with Iranian scientists. He maintained that the expansion of the nuclear industry aims to benefit the nation rather than produce weapons.
As tensions continue to rise, both sides appear to be at an impasse. With diplomatic engagements at a standstill, the path forward remains uncertain amid escalating military rhetoric and the continuous implications of Iran’s nuclear ambitions.