Rafael Grossi: The Islamic Republic Has Significantly Approached Nuclear Bomb Development

Rafael Grossi, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), stated in an interview with the German state broadcaster ARD in Vienna that "Iran has significantly approached the development of a nuclear bomb since the collapse of nuclear negotiations." He noted that "no country that does not yet have a nuclear bomb enriches uranium to 60 percent," adding, "Iran has produced more enriched uranium than needed for building a nuclear bomb." In this interview, published on Friday, April 31, he pointed out that "90 percent is necessary for a nuclear bomb, but 60 percent is technically almost equivalent to 90 percent." The IAEA Director General emphasized that the international community must do everything possible to deter Iran from this course of action. Grossi had previously mentioned that the Islamic Republic is increasing its nuclear capabilities, and despite the IAEA actively conducting inspections, these inspections are not sufficient. On Monday, due to concerns over a potential retaliatory attack by Israel on Iran's nuclear facilities, he announced a temporary suspension of inspections by the agency, stating that these inspections would resume on Tuesday. Grossi expressed concern over attacks on Iran's nuclear facilities, while U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken praised Grossi for the agency's efforts regarding the Islamic Republic's nuclear program. Grossi also mentioned discussing Iran's nuclear program with Putin. The U.S. has warned the Iranian government about the continuation of "obstruction" in cooperating with the agency.