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الوسم: Rafael Grossi

  • IAEA Withdraws Inspectors from Iran Amid Ongoing Access Dispute

    IAEA Withdraws Inspectors from Iran Amid Ongoing Access Dispute

    IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi awaits an emergency meeting regarding the situation in Iran after attacks on its nuclear facilities by the U.S. at the IAEA headquarters in Vienna, Austria, June 23, 2025. — Reuters

    • No inspections by the UN nuclear agency since the conflict started.
    • Number of inspectors in Iran has been drastically reduced, according to diplomats.
    • It’s unclear when inspectors will be able to return.

    The UN’s nuclear oversight body announced on Friday that it has withdrawn its last inspectors from Iran as tensions regarding their possible return to the country escalates following U.S. and Israeli bombings of its nuclear facilities.

    Israel began its military offensives against Iran’s nuclear sites as part of a recent 12-day conflict that erupted three weeks ago. Since then, inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have been unable to access Iran’s facilities, despite IAEA chief Rafael Grossi stating that this is a top priority for him.

    Recently, Iran’s parliament enacted a law to halt cooperation with the IAEA until it can be assured of the safety of its nuclear sites. Although the IAEA claims Iran has not formally communicated any suspension of operations, it remains uncertain when inspectors will be allowed back into the country.

    “A team of IAEA inspectors has safely left Iran and returned to the Agency headquarters in Vienna after remaining in Tehran throughout the recent military conflict,” the agency stated on platform X.

    According to diplomats, the number of IAEA inspectors in Iran had dwindled to just a few following the start of the conflict on June 13. Concerns have also been raised about the safety of inspectors now that the fighting has ceased, particularly in light of the harsh criticism directed at the agency by Iranian officials and media.

    Iran has accused the IAEA of facilitating the military strikes by publishing a critical report on May 31, which led the agency’s 35-member Board of Governors to declare Iran in violation of its non-proliferation obligations.

    IAEA chief Grossi has defended this report, rejecting accusations that it provided a pretext for military action against Iran.

    IAEA Seeks Dialogue

    Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated on Thursday that the nation is still committed to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

    “(Grossi) emphasized the critical need for the IAEA to discuss arrangements with Iran for the prompt resumption of monitoring and verification activities,” the IAEA reported.

    The U.S. and Israeli strikes have caused significant destruction to Iran’s three uranium enrichment facilities. However, the current status of much of Iran’s nine tons of enriched uranium remains unclear, particularly concerning over 400 kg enriched to a purity of up to 60%—a short distance from weapons-grade enrichment.

    This quantity could potentially be enough for the production of nine nuclear weapons, according to IAEA standards. While Iran asserts that its nuclear ambitions are entirely peaceful, Western nations contend that there is no valid civilian purpose for enriching uranium to such a high level, and the IAEA states that no country has achieved this without pursuing a nuclear weapon program.

    As a signatory to the NPT, Iran is obligated to account for its enriched uranium, which is generally monitored closely by the IAEA, the organization responsible for enforcing the treaty. However, the recent bombings have complicated matters significantly.

    “We cannot afford to have the inspection process disrupted,” Grossi remarked during a press conference in Vienna last week.

  • US Issues Stark Warning to Iran Over Potential Attacks on Americans

    US Issues Stark Warning to Iran Over Potential Attacks on Americans

    IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi speaks remotely to delegates during a United Nations Security Council meeting regarding Israel’s attack on Iran, held at UN headquarters in New York City, U.S., on June 13, 2025. — Reuters

    • Iran’s UN envoy states that those who support Israel are complicit.
    • The U.S. aims for a diplomatic approach to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions, according to Pitt.
    • The head of the nuclear watchdog reports destruction of Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility.

    UNITED NATIONS: The United States has issued a stern warning to Iran, signaling “serious” consequences if it targets American citizens, military installations, or facilities in the region, amid rising tensions with Israel, a U.S. ally.

    “Our top priority is safeguarding U.S. citizens, personnel, and forces in the area,” stated McCoy Pitt, Senior Bureau Official from the Bureau of International Organization Affairs, according to Anadolu Agency.

    Israeli airstrikes have reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 20 high-ranking Iranian commanders, including Amir Ali Hajizadeh, the head of the Revolutionary Guards Aerospace Force, along with several scientists.

    “Let me be absolutely clear: no government, proxy, or individual should aim at American citizens, bases, or infrastructure in the region. The repercussions for Iran would be severe,” the envoy insisted, emphasizing that Israel had informed Washington that their actions were a measure of self-defense.

    Pitt made these statements during a high-level meeting of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), which addressed the Israeli assaults on Iran’s military facilities and nuclear sites.

    This was followed by Tehran’s response, launching multiple missile strikes against Tel Aviv.

    During the UNSC meeting, Iranian Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani accused Israel of attempting to “derail diplomacy, disrupt negotiations, and entrench the region in broader conflict,” asserting that U.S. involvement was “indisputable.”

    “Those backing this regime, especially the U.S., should realize that they share in this complicity,” Iravani remarked to the council. “By facilitating these actions, they shoulder full responsibility for the outcomes,” he added.

    U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he had issued Tehran a 60-day deadline, which lapsed on Thursday, to negotiate a deal concerning its escalating uranium enrichment activities. A sixth round of discussions between the U.S. and Iran was set in Oman for Sunday, though its continuation remained uncertain.

    Meanwhile, Israel’s UN Ambassador Danny Danon accused Iran of “preparing for war,” claiming that Tel Aviv had exercised patience in light of increasing risks.

    “We waited for diplomatic efforts to succeed […]. We saw negotiations prolong as Iran made deceptive concessions or declined fundamental terms,” Danon told the UNSC. He indicated that intelligence suggested Iran could produce enough fissile material for several nuclear bombs within mere days.

    In light of the escalating tensions, Pitt stated that the U.S. would persist in seeking a diplomatic resolution to ensure Iran never obtains nuclear weapons or poses a threat to Middle Eastern stability.

    “Iran’s leadership should recognize the importance of negotiation at this time,” Pitt advised the council, noting that while Washington had been informed about Israel’s initial strikes, it was not militarily engaged.

    Rafael Grossi, head of the UN nuclear watchdog, informed the UNSC that the pilot enrichment facility at Iran’s Natanz nuclear site has been destroyed, and that Iran reported attacks on sites at Fordow and Isfahan as well.

  • UN Nuclear Agency Team Visits Iran for Technical Discussions

    UN Nuclear Agency Team Visits Iran for Technical Discussions

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    Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi meets with IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi in Tehran, Iran, on April 16, 2025. — Reuters

    • Iran’s Foreign Minister hints that IAEA experts could participate in the upcoming Iran-U.S. talks.
    • IAEA Director General suggests the agency could facilitate a positive outcome in negotiations.
    • Trump pulled the U.S. out of the 2015 nuclear agreement involving Iran and key global powers.

    A technical team from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has arrived in Iran for discussions with nuclear specialists, as confirmed by a foreign ministry spokesperson on Monday. This visit follows the IAEA chief’s trip to Tehran earlier this month.

    “The delegation is in Iran and will conduct technical discussions with Iranian experts today, including matters related to safeguards,” Esmaeil Baghaei stated at a weekly press briefing.

    Last week, the U.N. nuclear watchdog was in Iran for technical discussions, which included negotiations at a technical level.

    After these discussions, Iran’s foreign minister indicated that IAEA experts may join the next round of Iran-U.S. nuclear negotiations scheduled for Saturday.

    During his visit to Tehran on April 17, IAEA Chief Rafael Grossi expressed that his agency could assist in achieving a favorable outcome in the negotiations.

    In 2018, Trump exited the 2015 nuclear agreement with Iran and major world powers, prompting Iran to exceed the uranium enrichment limits set by the deal and restrict the IAEA’s oversight capabilities.

    In February, the IAEA published a report indicating that the current situation is “of serious concern,” as Tehran is enriching uranium to levels of up to 60% purity, which is close to weapons-grade. Iran has consistently denied any intention to develop nuclear weapons.

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  • UN Watchdog: Iran Close to Developing Nuclear Bomb

    UN Watchdog: Iran Close to Developing Nuclear Bomb

    New Insights on Iran’s Nuclear Ambitions Amid Ongoing Negotiations


    Overview of the Bushehr nuclear reactor, located about 1,200 kilometers (746 miles) south of Tehran, Iran. — Reuters/File

    • "Simply denying access to nuclear weapons is not sufficient."
    • "Verification is essential," asserts IAEA Director Rafael Grossi.
    • An official underlines the need for cooperation, especially as diplomatic efforts are urgently required.

    TEHRAN: On Wednesday, Rafael Grossi, the head of the United Nations’ nuclear oversight agency, cautioned that Iran is "not far" from acquiring the capability to produce a nuclear bomb, just prior to his visit to Tehran for discussions.

    The U.S. and other Western nations have long accused Iran of trying to develop nuclear weapons, a claim that Tehran has continuously refuted, insisting that its nuclear program is intended solely for peaceful purposes.

    "It’s like piecing together a puzzle. They possess the components, and one day they may assemble them," Grossi stated in an interview with the French newspaper Le Monde. He mentioned, "There remains a distance to cover before reaching that point. However, it’s important to recognize they are not far off."

    The IAEA has the responsibility of monitoring Iran’s nuclear activities and ensuring compliance with a 2015 nuclear agreement, which unraveled three years later when the United States withdrew during President Donald Trump’s first term.

    "It’s insufficient to merely declare to the world ‘we do not possess nuclear weapons’ and expect blind faith. Verification is a necessity," Grossi emphasized.

    Upon his arrival in Tehran, Grossi met with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and is expected to confer with Mohammad Eslami, head of Iran’s nuclear energy agency. He characterized his discussion with Araghchi as "significant."

    "Collaboration with the IAEA is crucial for providing trustworthy assurances regarding the peaceful intentions of Iran’s nuclear program in a time when diplomatic efforts are critically needed," Grossi expressed on X.

    His visit comes just ahead of a second set of negotiations between Iran and the U.S. scheduled for Saturday, following a recent high-level meeting between the two nations, their first since Trump exited the nuclear agreement in 2018. Both parties described the previous talks as "constructive."

    "Non-Negotiable Issues"

    Previously, Araghchi stated that Iran’s uranium enrichment through its nuclear program is "non-negotiable," responding to U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff’s calls for an end to enrichment.

    "Iran’s enrichment practices are established and accepted," he told the press. "We are prepared to foster trust in response to any legitimate concerns, but the question of enrichment is off the table."

    His comments followed Witkoff’s assertion on Tuesday that any nuclear agreement would require Iran to "cease and eliminate" uranium enrichment. A day earlier, he had merely suggested that Iran revert to the 3.67% enrichment limit set by the 2015 accord with major global powers.

    The IAEA’s latest report indicated that Iran holds approximately 274.8 kilograms (605 pounds) of uranium enriched to levels as high as 60%. This amount significantly exceeds the limits established by the 2015 agreement but does not reach the 90% enrichment level required for nuclear weaponry.

    After resuming his presidency in January, Trump reinstated extensive sanctions against Iran under his "maximum pressure" strategy. In March, he sent a letter to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei urging negotiations while warning of potential military action if talks fail to yield an agreement.

    As the new round of discussions approaches on Saturday, Araghchi criticized what he labeled the Trump administration’s "conflicting and contradictory stance."

    "We will unveil the Americans’ true positions during the negotiation session," he stated, expressing hopes to initiate discussions on a potential agreement framework, contingent upon the U.S. adopting "constructive" positions. "Continued conflicting statements will lead to obstacles," he cautioned.

    Location of Upcoming Talks

    Iranian state media reported that the negotiations on Saturday are set to take place in Rome, facilitated by Oman, a detail confirmed by an Italian spokesperson. However, neither U.S. nor Iranian officials have officially acknowledged the venue.

    Araghchi is scheduled to visit Iran’s ally, Russia, on Thursday, as confirmed by Tehran’s ambassador in Moscow, Kazem Jalili. Iran stated that this visit was "pre-planned" but would also cover discussions relevant to the U.S.-Iran negotiations.

    "My trip to Russia aims to convey a written message from the Supreme Leader to President Vladimir Putin," Araghchi noted.

    In anticipation of the U.S. talks, Iran has been engaging with Russia and China, both of which were signatories to the 2015 agreement.

    Prior to the upcoming discussions, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed optimism that an agreement with the United States could be reached, according to the official IRNA news agency.

    On Tuesday, Khamenei warned that while the initial stages of negotiation appear promising, they might ultimately lead to no results. "The negotiations may or may not be fruitful," he said, pointing out that Iran has already established its "red lines."

    The Revolutionary Guards claimed that Iran’s military capabilities would remain off-limits in any discussions. Late Sunday, IRNA reported that Iran’s influence in the region and its missile capability—which have raised concerns in the West—would also form part of its "red lines."