United Nations nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi urged Iran to resume engagement with the agency on Monday, as the United States and its allies pursued a resolution demanding transparency regarding previously bombed nuclear sites and stored materials.
Iran has not provided the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) with details concerning the fate of nuclear sites bombed approximately one year prior, nor the disposition of nuclear material, including highly enriched uranium, that was housed there. Despite the destruction or significant damage to enrichment facilities, substantial quantities of enriched uranium, some at up to 60% purity—a level close to weapons-grade—are believed to have survived the attacks.
"It's very important that we re-engage," Grossi stated to the IAEA's 35-nation Board of Governors during the opening day of their quarterly meeting. In a written submission to the board, he additionally called for Iran to "engage the Agency constructively in order to facilitate the full and effective implementation of safeguards in Iran," a term encompassing IAEA inspections.
The IAEA has conducted limited inspections at non-bombed facilities but halted these in February due to renewed military strikes, restricting its oversight primarily to Iran's operational nuclear power plant at Bushehr. Grossi described his communication channels with Iran as largely severed, noting only sporadic contact with ministerial officials.
Concurrently, the U.S., supported by Britain, France, and Germany, is advocating for a resolution to be passed by the board this week, demanding Iran furnish "precise information" on the bombed sites and enriched uranium "without delay." While passage of the resolution is anticipated, it may complicate ongoing diplomatic efforts between the U.S. and Iran aimed at extending a ceasefire and potentially leading to broader nuclear negotiations.
Iran's mission to the IAEA responded on X, asserting that the responsibility for an internationally wrongful act lies with the perpetrator and cannot be transferred. The mission stated that the Board should not be used to absolve those responsible for the attacks. Iran has previously reacted to board resolutions by increasing its nuclear activities or reducing cooperation with the IAEA, warning that "coercion and confrontation do not lead to cooperation" and that such actions undermine prospects for a diplomatic solution.
