Grossi: No Need to Refer Iran Nuclear Case to Security Council
According to the English section of webangah News Agency, citing Mehr News Agency, Rafael Grossi told the British newspaper Financial Times that Iran needs to seriously improve its cooperation with UN inspectors to prevent escalating tensions with Western countries.
He claimed that even though the agency has conducted about twelve inspections in Iran as the outbreak of war with Israel in June, it has not been granted access to some of Iran’s most critically important nuclear facilities-Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan-which were previously struck by the united States.
The IAEA chief referred to U.S. attacks on Iranian nuclear sites and alleged that these strikes caused severe damage. He added that the fate of 408 kilograms of uranium enriched close to weapons-grade remains unclear. this uncertainty has created an urgent need to resume inspections sooner than anticipated.
Grossi said his organization seeks to navigate its turbulent relationship with Iran through mutual understanding but emphasized that Tehran must fulfill its obligations.
Without condemning america’s bombing of peaceful nuclear sites within a member state of the IAEA, Grossi argued that ongoing conflict cannot justify a decline in Tehran’s cooperation with the agency.
The IAEA director general insisted there is still no need to refer Iran’s case on halted inspections to the UN Security Council but stressed a serious improvement in collaboration is essential.
Grossi highlighted extensive damage at Iranian facilities but noted his assessment indicates most uranium enriched at 60 percent or below remains onsite. Even though a final determination on this material has not been made, he acknowledged that having uranium enriched at such high levels nearing weapons-grade poses notable concerns.
A senior Iranian official speaking confidentially with Financial Times said there had been no activity at targeted nuclear sites.He stated satellite imagery continuously monitors these locations precisely and added if any movement had occurred,”the agency would have reacted strongly.”
Following a preliminary agreement reached with grossi in September,Iran allowed IAEA experts to resume certain inspections. Though, European powers responded during that same month by reinstating international sanctions against Tehran despite Iran’s goodwill gesture.
Esmaeil baqaee, spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, commented that contradictory statements from agency officials will not help improve cooperation between Tehran and the IAEA.
Iran maintains it has an enrichment right under its status as a signatory of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). The contry also insists it will not abandon uranium enrichment but is prepared for discussions on potential limitations in this area.
The IAEA previously reported observing new activities at Iranian nuclear sites where access is restricted. The agency requires assurance uranium enriched material has not been moved elsewhere.
