Since Israeli attacks on Iranian nuclear targets began on June 13, the IAEA has not been able to conduct in-person inspections, which complicates verification of the actual condition of the plants.
The head of the UN nuclear agency demanded explanations from the Iranian regime
Since Israeli attacks on Iranian nuclear targets began on June 13, the IAEA has not been able to conduct in-person inspections, which complicates verification of the actual condition of the plants.
One of the main unknowns is the fate of more than 400 kilograms (882 pounds) of uranium enriched to 60% that Iran possesses. Although that figure is below the 90% required to manufacture nuclear weapons, it represents enough material to produce up to nine bombs if it were enriched to weapons-grade levels.
Although Tehran insists that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, the current context and lack of transparency fuel international uncertainty.
In his statement, Grossi urged a resumption of negotiations with Iran to preserve the non-proliferation regime. "To achieve the long-term guarantee that Iran will not acquire a nuclear weapon, and for the continued effectiveness of the global non-proliferation regime, we must return to negotiations," he stated.
The IAEA Director emphasized that he is willing to cooperate with Iranian authorities, but reiterated that any movement of nuclear material must be reported to the agency. The regime's silence regarding possible transfers fuels tension and calls into question the commitments assumed by Tehran under the international agreement.
The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, expressed his concern about the lack of official information regarding the whereabouts of Iranian nuclear materials following the recent U.S. bombing of nuclear facilities in the Persian country. According to his statement, Tehran informed him that it would adopt "special measures" to safeguard such equipment and materials, although it did not notify whether these were actually relocated.
Grossi revealed to the IAEA Board of Governors that on June 13 he received a letter from Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who informed him in advance that Iran would take measures to protect its nuclear infrastructure. In his response, the Argentine official recalled that any transfer must be declared to the agency, in accordance with current safeguard regulations.
On Sunday, the United States used its most powerful bunker-buster bombs in combat for the first time, targeting Iran's underground nuclear facilities. Among them was the Fordow uranium enrichment plant, which is dug into a mountain.
During an emergency IAEA meeting, Grossi stated that, although the full impact of the explosions has not yet been assessed, it is presumed that the underground facilities may have suffered "very significant damage." The delicate nature of the centrifuges used for uranium enrichment makes them extremely vulnerable to vibrations, which increases concern about their current condition.
