Grossi Stresses Return to Diplomacy on Iran’s Nuclear Issue
WANA (Mar 02) – The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said at an extraordinary meeting of the Agency’s Board of Governors that the organization is closely and “with concern” monitoring developments related to military attacks in Iran and the wider Middle East, emphasizing the need to return to diplomacy and negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program.
Speaking at the opening of the session on Monday, Grossi said the IAEA had responded immediately, in line with its mandate, focusing in particular on the risk of radiological emergencies arising from military operations.
He explained that the Agency’s Incident and Emergency Centre (IEC) has been activated and that a dedicated team—despite communications constraints caused by the conflict—is gathering information and assessing the situation. The regional safety monitoring network remains on alert and in constant contact with the Agency. So far, no radiation levels above normal background have been recorded in countries neighboring Iran.
Regarding Iran’s nuclear facilities, Grossi said that as of now, the Agency has received no indications of damage to, or targeting of, nuclear installations, including the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, the Tehran Research Reactor, or other nuclear fuel cycle facilities. Efforts to maintain contact with Iran’s nuclear regulatory authorities through the Incident and Emergency Centre are ongoing.
He noted that Iran and several other countries in the region that have been subject to military attacks operate nuclear power plants, research reactors, and related fuel storage facilities, which heightens nuclear safety risks.
The United Arab Emirates operates four active nuclear reactors, while Jordan and Syria have operational research reactors. Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia have also reportedly been targeted. All of these countries make use of nuclear applications in various forms. For this reason, Grossi called for maximum restraint in all military operations.
In line with the objectives set out in the IAEA Statute, he once again urged all parties to exercise the utmost restraint to prevent further escalation. He also recalled previous General Conference resolutions affirming that armed attacks against nuclear facilities must never take place, as they could lead to the release of radioactive materials with serious consequences both within and beyond the borders of the targeted state.
Grossi stressed that preserving the global non-proliferation regime requires a return to diplomacy and negotiations.
He added that he has been closely involved in supporting efforts to find a diplomatic solution to the long-standing impasse over Iran’s nuclear program. At the invitation of negotiators, he attended the two most recent rounds of talks in Geneva, where he provided the Agency’s technical and impartial advice. Those discussions did not result in an agreement, and he acknowledged that there is naturally a deep sense of disappointment.
“Force has long existed in international relations, and that is a reality,” he said, “but it is always the least desirable option.” He reiterated his conviction that a durable solution to this dispute lies at the negotiating table, and that the IAEA stands ready to play its essential role whenever and wherever called upon.
“Diplomacy is difficult, but it is not impossible,” Grossi said. “Nuclear diplomacy is even more difficult, but it too is never impossible. The question is not whether we will return to the negotiating table, but when—and we must do so as soon as possible.”
In his concluding remarks, he warned that the current situation is highly concerning. The possibility of a radiological release with serious consequences—including the potential need to evacuate areas as large as major cities—cannot be ruled out. He assured member states that the Agency will continue to keep the international community informed and stands ready to respond immediately in the event of any nuclear safety breach.
Iran Calls on IAEA to Condemn Attacks on Its Nuclear Facilities
WANA (Mar 02) – Iran’s representative to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) called on the Agency to firmly condemn what he described as U.S. and Israeli aggression, stating that such actions constitute a violation of the Agency’s Statute as well as resolutions and decisions of the General Conference and the Board of Governors. […]
The extraordinary session of the IAEA Board of Governors began today in Vienna following recent U.S. and Israeli actions against Iran. The meeting was convened at Iran’s request and proposed by Russia as a member of the Board.
Earlier, Iran’s Permanent Mission in Vienna said in a post on X that, in light of what it described as ongoing aggressive actions by the United States and Israel since February 28, 2026, it had formally requested that Grossi convene an urgent extraordinary meeting of the Board. The mission added that what it called unfounded allegations, hostile threats, and unlawful actions against Iran’s peaceful nuclear program must be addressed without delay by the Board of Governors.
