Grossi in Isfahan: The Islamic Republic Should Take 'Real, Tangible, and Practical' Steps

The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), who has traveled to Iran, stated during a press conference in Isfahan on Tuesday that he has suggested to the officials of the Islamic Republic to focus on 'real, tangible, and practical' actions that can accelerate nuclear cooperation. Rafael Grossi discussed with senior officials of the Islamic Republic, including Mohammad Eslami, the head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran. The IAEA Director General said that last year's agreement with Iran to expand inspections of the Islamic Republic's nuclear program 'is still valid' but needs 'more substance' added to it. The Islamic Republic has committed to resolving issues surrounding sites that inspectors had questioned regarding undeclared nuclear activities and to allow the agency to conduct 'more appropriate verification and monitoring activities.' In 2023, Tehran provided extensive assurances to the UN nuclear watchdog that it would assist in long-term investigations regarding uranium particles found at undeclared sites and would reinstall removed monitoring equipment. However, reports from the IAEA to member states indicate that little has been done regarding these assurances. After the U.S. withdrawal from the nuclear agreement known as the JCPOA and the re-imposition of extensive sanctions, the Islamic Republic has not adhered to the limitations on its nuclear activities set forth in this agreement. In recent months, the IAEA has criticized the Islamic Republic for its lack of cooperation in advancing nuclear activities, prohibiting access for inspectors, and deactivating the agency's monitoring devices at Iran's nuclear facilities. The Iranian government is enriching uranium to a purity of 60%, a level close to the 90% required for nuclear weapons. According to the IAEA's official criteria, if these materials are enriched beyond this level, they would be sufficient for two nuclear bombs. The Islamic Republic denies efforts to acquire nuclear weapons, but no other country has enriched uranium to this extent without the aim of producing nuclear weapons. Rafael Grossi: The Islamic Republic has significantly come closer to building a nuclear bomb. A senior commander of the IRGC threatened that a revision of the Islamic Republic's nuclear policy is 'likely and conceivable.' Concurrently with the suspension of the agency's inspectors' activities, Grossi expressed concern over an attack on Iran's nuclear facilities. Grossi: The Islamic Republic is increasing its nuclear capabilities; inspections are not being conducted adequately in scope and depth. The U.S.: The Islamic Republic must 'downblend' all of its 60% enriched uranium stock.