WANA (Jan 22) – In a recent address, Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), raised concerns over Iran’s advancing nuclear activities. Speaking at a Q&A session during the Davos Summit, Grossi argued that the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) is no longer sufficient to address Iran’s nuclear program and must be replaced with a framework that reflects current geopolitical realities.

 

Grossi alleged that Iran’s stockpile of uranium enriched to 60% purity has reached 200 kilograms, a significant milestone. He also expressed concerns about the limited oversight the IAEA currently has in Iran, stating: “I believe I do not have adequate visibility in Iran.”

 

Expansion Post-JCPOA Collapse

The IAEA chief pointed out that Iran’s nuclear program has significantly expanded since the JCPOA began to unravel in 2018. While reiterating that Iran does not possess nuclear weapons, he emphasized the program’s notable advancements over the past several years.

 

“Comparing 2018 to the trajectory we see toward 2025, it is clear that Iran’s nuclear activities have progressed in every dimension. This indicates that the JCPOA, in its current form, is no longer effective. A new framework is urgently needed,” Grossi remarked.

 

Iran has consistently stated that its actions to reduce compliance with the JCPOA were legitimate responses to the United States’ unilateral withdrawal from the agreement in 2018 under President Donald Trump. Tehran has also highlighted European partners’ failure to fulfill their commitments under the agreement, which included mechanisms to mitigate the impact of sanctions and normalize trade relations.

 

In response, Iran took incremental steps to scale back its voluntary commitments, a move carried out transparently and in line with Article 36 of the JCPOA. Iranian officials maintain that these measures are reversible if all parties return to their commitments. Despite prolonged negotiations under the Biden administration, efforts to restore the agreement have so far been unsuccessful. However, Iran has reiterated its readiness to finalize a deal if other parties demonstrate political will.

 

Evaluating the JCPOA’s Core Principles

Grossi acknowledged that the core transactional principle of the JCPOA—mutual concessions—remains valid. Nevertheless, he argued that a new agreement must incorporate significant changes to address the shifting geopolitical context.

 

“The structure needs to be reevaluated, and new negotiations are necessary. The dynamics have shifted, and the absence of a foundational consensus among key players complicates progress,” he said. Grossi also noted that, in past negotiations, even amid disagreements, there was a basic level of understanding that now seems to be absent.

 

Global Responsibility and Future Framework

Grossi underscored the international community’s duty to uphold the principles of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). He emphasized the importance of robust guarantees and active IAEA involvement in ensuring compliance with any future agreement.

 

“As the stewards of the NPT, the IAEA must play a central role in shaping the future framework for Iran’s nuclear program,” Grossi concluded, adding that international collaboration is critical to maintaining stability and ensuring non-proliferation in the region.