Grossi: We Believe in Diplomacy on Iran’s Nuclear Program
according to the English section of webangah News Agency, citing mehr News Agency and Al Jazeera, Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), told reporters in Vienna on the sidelines of the IAEA Board of Governors meeting that inspections at Iran’s nuclear sites must resume, and he claimed that an agreement with Iran on this issue is near.
Grossi stated: “Our inspections are conducted under a thorough safeguards agreement and are legally binding.We must resume our inspections in Iran.”
The director general asserted: “The snapback mechanism belongs to discussions between the three European countries and Iran and is entirely separate from what we do here. When I say inspections must restart, I mean it as a legal commitment between the agency and Iran.”
He described these inspections as “not political actions but legal obligations.”
Grossi also noted there is no set date yet for his visit to Iran but expressed hope that he can return amid efforts to normalize contacts and relations. He pointed out ongoing consultations, negotiations, and dialogues held at various levels with Iran. “We have held several technical meetings in Tehran and also here in Vienna,” he said. “I have also had multiple phone conversations with Iran’s Foreign Minister. So I believe this is a process. It will take some time but it truly seems we are moving along the right track.”
The agency chief condemned any violent acts against Iranian nuclear scientists.
He claimed that they have not received facts from Iran regarding its enriched uranium stockpile, adding there remain uncertainties about these reserves.
Grossi insisted: “We do not share information related to Iran’s nuclear program with anyone outside our mandate and operate with full integrity.”
He added: “Iran has every right to receive all possible assurances concerning inspections of its nuclear facilities.”
The director General further emphasized belief in diplomacy rather than force when dealing with Iran’s nuclear program.
He continued: “We need access to sites that have been partially or fully damaged following attacks. Comprehensive inspection of Iranian nuclear facilities reduces the likelihood of further military strikes. We are close to reaching an agreement on inspection arrangements with Tehran.”
