WANA (Sep 26) – Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), announced that “almost all sensitive equipment” at Iran’s Fordow nuclear site has been destroyed.

 

Speaking to Reuters on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Grossi did not provide further details. However, this was his first comment on the condition of the Fordow site following the visit of IAEA inspectors to Iran.

 

He nevertheless stressed that the Islamic Republic of Iran still retains the capability to manufacture the centrifuges needed for uranium enrichment.

 

In another part of his remarks to Reuters, Grossi warned about Iran’s technical capabilities, saying that if Tehran decided to raise enrichment levels to 90 percent, the process would take only a few weeks—not months or years.

WANA - Fordow Nuclear facility after U.S. strike

Fordow Nuclear facility after U.S. strike. Social media/ WANA News Agency

He also added that Iranian officials are heavily protecting their stockpiles of enriched uranium, as these reserves may remain targets for future attacks.

 

The Director General reminded that the IAEA’s relationship with the Islamic Republic of Iran is “permanent and must continue,” emphasizing that Tehran’s commitments to the Agency go beyond sanctions issues. He underlined that inspections are not voluntary but stem from Iran’s accession to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

 

Grossi claimed that if Iran blocks inspections, it would face a “new and bigger problem.”

 

He also mentioned ongoing contacts to revive the nuclear deal, noting that Steve Witkoff has been very active in this regard and that he is in regular communication with him. Grossi asserted that in the United States there still exists a willingness to reach an agreement that could restore relations to normal.