Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), told Germany’s state-run network ARD television network in Vienna that since the failure of nuclear negotiations, Iran has significantly approached nuclear bomb production.
He announced that no country without an atomic bomb enriches uranium to 60%, adding that Iran has produced enriched uranium in volumes beyond what is needed for nuclear bomb production.
In this conversation published on April 19, he noted that while 90% enrichment is necessary for a nuclear bomb, technically 60% is almost the same as 90%.
The Director General of the IAEA emphasized that the international community must do everything to prevent Iran from this.
Rafael Grossi had previously stated that the Iranian regime is increasing its nuclear capabilities, and although the IAEA is carrying out inspections, these inspections are not sufficient.
Grossi announced on Monday, April 15, the temporary suspension of inspections of Iran’s facilities due to concerns about Israel’s retaliatory attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities and said these inspections would resume on Tuesday.
In an interview with PBS on March 29, Grossi emphasized that Iran’s regime’s tendency towards maximum enrichment is worrying, although Iran’s nuclear program is very complex and has various aspects.
Rafael Grossi highlighted that inspectors of the agency should be able to carry out their inspection duties with full authority, but currently inspections are not being conducted to the extent and depth required by the nature of the atomic program.
Grossi also said that he has warned Iranian authorities to restart the inspection process from scratch.
He expressed concern and warned that the agency is the only point of contact trying to bring the parties closer together and report on what is happening there. Grossi emphasized that the IAEA is diligently following the case and expects ‘negotiation and diplomacy’ to get involved.
On March 7, the United States warned the Iranian government that the continuation of “stonewalling” regarding cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency sets the stage for further action by the IAEA Board of Governors, including the possibility of issuing more resolutions against Tehran.
In the quarterly meeting of the Board of Governors attended by 35 members, the United States asked the Iranian regime to cooperate with the agency’s inspectors, who have long demanded explanations from the Iranian government about the origin of uranium particles at some undeclared sites.
