Grossi: The Islamic Republic has not answered the Agency's questions; the JCPOA is an empty shell

Rafael Grossi, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), stated in remarks at the Swedish Institute of International Relations: "Unfortunately, we have not reached a point where we can say that everything is going well regarding the Islamic Republic's nuclear program." Grossi added: "Although the parties do not declare that the nuclear agreement of the Islamic Republic — from which the United States withdrew in 2018 — is dead, this agreement is now an empty shell." The IAEA Director General emphasized that the sensitive status of the Islamic Republic's nuclear program remains concerning, and despite past successes, the JCPOA faces significant challenges due to enrichment activities and lack of full cooperation. Rafael Grossi stated: "Nevertheless, the Islamic Republic is enriching uranium to 60%. In our January sampling, we also observed 84% enrichment, while the military level is 90%. The Islamic Republic has accumulated enough uranium for several bombs. However, I must emphasize that this country does not have nuclear weapons. Having the capacity to build and having a bomb are different, and we must pay attention to this point." Additionally, the IAEA Director General stressed the importance of "guaranteeing the peaceful use of nuclear energy," the "Agency's role in verification," the "Islamic Republic's compliance," and "enhancing transparency" to prevent escalating concerns. Grossi further stated that "we must reach a point where the Islamic Republic's nuclear program stabilizes, and through a diplomatic system, we can confirm the peacefulness of the Islamic Republic's nuclear activities." The IAEA Director General emphasized that the Islamic Republic has not yet clarified its responses to the Agency's questions, which is concerning. These concerns underscore the need to revive a system or a "comprehensive agreement" like the JCPOA. Rafael Grossi mentioned that I believe diplomatic and political efforts regarding the Islamic Republic's nuclear program must continue. Of course, we are very worried about the Islamic Republic's path, which continues to "increase enriched reserves" and the production of "advanced centrifuges" is in a worrying state. The IAEA Director General noted that given these immediate concerns, the Islamic Republic must provide conditions more than ever for the Agency to confirm the peacefulness of its nuclear program with "all information" and "maximum transparency." Rafael Grossi concluded by explaining that the IAEA's work in maintaining global nuclear security, preventing nuclear proliferation, and ensuring the safe and peaceful use of nuclear technology is vital. These discussions also clarify the intersection of political and technical challenges that the Agency faces in its mission. Grossi referred to ongoing discussions between the U.S. and the Islamic Republic regarding de-escalation and expressed hope for continued dialogue and cooperation. He also emphasized the importance of international cooperation in managing nuclear challenges and maintaining a peaceful world. Bloomberg News reported on September 4 that it seems after several months of "behind-the-scenes diplomacy" between the Islamic Republic and the U.S. governments, there has been significant progress not only in prisoner exchanges and possibly a decision to reduce enrichment but also in "unwritten agreements" regarding "oil exports." On July 9, the IAEA Director General also expressed dissatisfaction with the implementation of the recent agreement with Tehran, stating that the continuation of the Islamic Republic's enrichment activities has raised concerns. Rafael Grossi, in an interview with France 24, stated that Iran's enriched uranium reserves have increased by 25% over the past three months despite the agreement between the Islamic Republic and the Agency, and newly installed equipment at Iran's nuclear facilities does not significantly assist in the Agency's monitoring missions due to restrictions. Global concerns about Iran's nuclear program; Eslami: We have achieved heavy water derivatives. The Islamic Republic is seeking to develop nuclear power plants; Eslami: We have sent new documents and evidence to the Agency. Rafael Grossi: The discharge of radioactive water from the Fukushima plant meets international safety standards. Rafael Grossi's visit to South Korea and discussions about the discharge of radioactive water from the Fukushima plant. Contradictory statements about the Iran-Agency agreement; the Commission on Article 90 of the Parliament: It is against the law. The Director General of the Agency: Iran's continued enrichment has increased concerns. The representative of the Islamic Republic at the UN reacted to the Agency's report; there is no concealment.