Uranium Enrichment Not Illegal, But We Are Concerned About Iran
WANA (Jun 09) – Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), stated on Monday that uranium enrichment in itself is not a prohibited activity. Speaking at a press conference in Vienna, he said, “Enrichment of uranium is not, per se, a banned activity. This is something my Iranian counterparts often remind me of — and they are right.”
However, he warned of the implications of high-level uranium stockpiling: “But when you accumulate uranium at high levels, close to the threshold required for a nuclear explosive device, it cannot be ignored. That is why we are observing this very closely and with special focus.”
Grossi emphasized that enriched uranium alone does not equate to a nuclear weapon. “These materials by themselves are not equivalent to a nuclear weapon. To build an actual explosive device, one needs a very complex system involving detonators and advanced technologies,” he said.
Resolution Talks and U.S.–Iran Negotiations Intertwined
In response to a question about the possible IAEA Board of Governors resolution against Iran and its impact on bilateral Iran–U.S. negotiations, Grossi acknowledged a connection.
Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), press conference in Vienna on June 09, 2025. Social media/ WANA News Agency
“There is no formal, direct relationship between the two,” he noted, “but clearly, there is a mutual influence. Whether that impact is positive or negative depends on the observer. For some, a resolution may motivate negotiations; for others, it could have the opposite effect.”
He added: “What I try to convey is that progress must be made on both tracks. If we advance simultaneously in both, the overall outcome will be positive.”
On Undeclared Nuclear Program Claims
Addressing his recent report’s use of the phrase “undeclared structured nuclear program,” Grossi said, “The Agency assesses that such a program existed until the early 2000s. Since then, there have been scattered activities that might be related, but there is not enough evidence to claim an ongoing structured and organized program.”
Iran’s Conduct May Affect IAEA Cooperation
Grossi was also asked about the possibility of referring Iran’s nuclear file to the UN Security Council and triggering the so-called “snapback” mechanism. He clarified: “Our process at the Agency operates independently from bilateral negotiations. However, it is obvious that Iran’s approach and conduct toward the IAEA are largely influenced by those talks. If those negotiations make progress, Iran’s cooperation with us will likely improve.”
Only Diplomacy with Verification Can Resolve Iran Nuclear Issue
WANA (Jun 09) – IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said he has been closely engaged with Iran and the United States in recent months, supporting bilateral negotiations aimed at ensuring the peaceful nature of Tehran’s nuclear program. He emphasized that diplomacy, backed by strong verification measures, is the only viable path forward. Grossi warned […]
Calls for a New Nuclear Deal Beyond the JCPOA
Asked about his recent remarks in Italy suggesting the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) is obsolete, Grossi reiterated: “This is clear. The JCPOA was meticulously designed for a specific and different Iranian nuclear program at the time. But the current program is entirely different. Even if we try to revive the JCPOA, it would not be sufficient because Iran now possesses new technologies.”
Israeli Threats
Commenting on verbal threats from Israel against Iran’s nuclear facilities, he said, “Our effort is to resolve this issue through diplomatic means. A diplomatic solution backed by strong monitoring and verification by the IAEA can offer the necessary reassurance to Israel and the international community that there is no reason for concern.”
On Reports of Iran Accessing Israeli Nuclear Documents
Regarding reports that Iran may have obtained classified Israeli nuclear documents, Grossi stated, “We have only seen media reports and have received no official information on this matter. In any case, it apparently pertains to the Soreq research facility, which we do inspect. Contrary to popular belief, we do conduct inspections of the research components of Israel’s nuclear program.”
Iran Reveals Clues of Sabotage in “Turquzabad” and “Varamin”
WANA (Jun 09) – In its recent technical-level talks with Massimo Aparo, Deputy Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Iran has presented leads, documents, and information that strongly suggest acts of sabotage and document fabrication. During Aparo’s latest visit to Iran for expert-level negotiations on resolving outstanding safeguards issues, officials from […]
IAEA Maintains Neutral Position on Iran’s Nuclear Intentions
When asked whether Iran’s nuclear program is peaceful based on his latest report, Grossi clarified, “The IAEA does not make accusations. We verify and inform. If you look closely at the text of the report, we stated that due to insufficient responses from Iran, we are not in a position to confirm that all activities are exclusively for peaceful purposes.”
He stressed, “We did not say Iran has nuclear weapons or a military-oriented program. That judgment is up to the member states. Some may say no, others may say yes.”
Grossi concluded, “The IAEA must follow a strictly professional, impartial, and precise line. People often confuse our statements with accusations or conclusions. But we have made no such accusation. It is essential to understand this distinction in reporting. Both the Agency and I have been extremely cautious in what we report and how we report it.”
Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), press conference in Vienna on June 09, 2025. Social media/ WANA News Agency
