WANA (Jun 06) – The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, expressed optimism about the ongoing nuclear talks between Iran and the United States, stating: “Iran’s nuclear capabilities cannot be eliminated through military action.”

 

In an interview, Grossi said Iran’s nuclear program is “my greatest concern.”

 

When asked how worried he is about immediate threats such as North Korea, tensions between India and Pakistan, and Iran’s nuclear file, he responded: “I’m a calm person. I focus on what can be done.”

 

Grossi noted, “Iran does not currently possess nuclear weapons. However, it does have the materials necessary to build them.”

 

According to the IAEA chief, “The Iran situation carries the highest risk of catastrophe. If negotiations fail, one can conclude that the most likely outcome would be military action.”

 

Pointing to the complexity of dismantling Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, he said: “The most sensitive issue is that these [nuclear facilities] are located half a mile underground. I’ve been there many times. To reach them, you go through winding tunnels, descending deeper and deeper.”

 

Grossi views the fact that Iran and the U.S. are talking as a positive sign.

 

Speaking about the ongoing talks, he remarked: “I’ve seen situations where countries had to be pressured into negotiations. But this case is different — the talks are very serious.”

 

He emphasized: “Witkoff is an extremely serious figure. I have no doubt about his seriousness. I can’t say which side I prefer, as I’ve worked with both Democrats and Republicans. But what I can say is that [Trump], at a time when there were no negotiations, initiated this dialogue — and that is truly commendable.”

Mohammad Eslami, Head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), and Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). April 17, 2025. Social media/ WANA News Agency