GENEVA – The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has urged Iran to “seriously improve” cooperation with UN inspectors to avoid escalating tensions with Western nations, according to a report by the Financial Times citing IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi. Grossi emphasized that while the IAEA has conducted roughly a dozen inspections in Iran since the outbreak of hostilities with Israel in June, inspectors have still not been granted access to key nuclear facilities, including Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan—sites that have been targeted in US-led airstrikes.
Grossi highlighted that in October, unusual movement was observed near Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile, though he clarified that this did “not imply that there is activity on enrichment.” Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei responded by asserting that Grossi was “fully aware of the peaceful nature” of Iran’s nuclear program and cautioned against issuing “unfounded opinions” on the matter.
The remarks come amid heightened tensions in the region following Israeli airstrikes that coincided with the IAEA board’s declaration that Iran was in violation of its obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Iranian officials have criticized the agency, accusing it of indirectly providing justification for the attacks.
The IAEA’s call for greater transparency underscores ongoing international concerns over Iran’s nuclear program, which remains a focal point of diplomatic contention between Tehran and Western powers. Access restrictions to critical sites, coupled with regional hostilities, continue to complicate efforts to monitor Iran’s nuclear activities and ensure compliance with international agreements.
Leave a comment