WANA (Mar 23) – Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said on Monday that military strikes would not be able to completely destroy Iran’s nuclear program and could only set it back temporarily.

 

In an interview, Grossi said that while military action against Iran may disrupt parts of Tehran’s nuclear activities, key materials and capabilities would likely remain intact.

 

He also noted that it would be “very difficult” for U.S. special forces to gain access to Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile.

 

Grossi explained that the material in question is stored in cylinders containing uranium gas with a high level of contamination, making it extremely difficult to handle.

 

He added that the technical complexity and risks involved in moving or dealing with such nuclear material are so significant that, during previous negotiations between Iran and the United States, one of the options discussed was to dilute those stockpiles.

 

Grossi’s remarks come as debate over possible military options against Iran’s nuclear program continues to remain a central point of tension between Tehran and Western countries.