Head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization Criticizes IAEA; Claims Lack of Cooperation

On Friday, February 9, the head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization harshly criticized the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) regarding its approach to Iran's nuclear program. In the margins of an exhibition titled 'Narrative of Progress' in Mashhad, he stated, 'Unfortunately, the Agency has not cooperated with Iran's nuclear industry from the beginning due to the application of double standards and the destructive behavior of the imperialist system.' He added, 'Not only have we witnessed a lack of cooperation from the Agency, but this international body has also created numerous obstacles for Iran's nuclear program. The Agency has hindered the progress of Iran's nuclear industry by imposing sanctions and preventing the procurement of necessary equipment and technology.' Meanwhile, the IAEA Director General, Rafael Grossi, stated on Thursday, January 18, during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, that the Islamic Republic has limited its cooperation with the Agency and has taken the organization 'hostage' in its disputes with Western countries. Grossi criticized Iran for 'rejecting inspectors' based on their nationality, saying, 'This is a very disappointing situation. We continue our activities there, but Iranian officials have limited cooperation in an unprecedented manner and brought it to the lowest level.' A few days later, on February 1, Grossi mentioned that the Islamic Republic is still increasing its stockpile of 60% enriched uranium, but this increase, which began right after Israel's military action in Gaza, has now slightly decreased. On February 3, the U.S. State Department, in response to a question from the Persian section of Voice of America regarding whether the slowdown in Iran's 60% uranium enrichment is related to Washington's decision to retaliate against the recent attack on a U.S. military base in Jordan, did not directly respond. However, a spokesperson for the department stated that the Biden administration is aware of the IAEA Director General's remarks and appreciates his efforts for verification, oversight of Iran's nuclear program, and resolving outstanding safeguards issues. The spokesperson reiterated that the U.S. government has emphasized that the Islamic Republic of Iran has developed its nuclear activities in a way that has no civilian justification. He noted that the Biden administration has urged the Iranian government to take actions in all areas to reduce tensions, including stopping the production and stockpiling of highly enriched uranium. Fears of an American attack; the pace of enrichment has also slowed down. The IAEA Director General: The speed of uranium enrichment in Iran has slightly slowed down. Rafael Grossi: The Islamic Republic has taken the IAEA 'hostage.' Grossi: The Islamic Republic is rapidly advancing its 'high-level enrichment' program. The Institute for Science and International Security: The Iranian government can build a nuclear bomb in a week. A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department: We are aware of the Director General's remarks about the slowdown in uranium enrichment in Iran.