Rafael Grossi: The Islamic Republic has taken the International Atomic Energy Agency 'hostage'

The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, stated on Thursday at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, that the Islamic Republic has limited its cooperation with the agency and has taken it 'hostage' in its disputes with Western countries. Grossi criticized Iran for rejecting inspectors based on their nationality, adding, 'This is a very disappointing situation. We continue our activities there, but the officials of the Islamic Republic have limited cooperation in an unprecedented manner and have brought it to the lowest level.' He also said, 'When the leaders of the Islamic Republic are criticized and pressured by France, Britain, or the United States, they take the International Atomic Energy Agency hostage to resolve their political disputes with others, which is unacceptable to us.' In another part of his remarks, Grossi announced an increase in the level and speed of uranium enrichment in Iran, stating, 'The Islamic Republic reduced its uranium enrichment speed during indirect negotiations to revive the JCPOA with the United States, but this process was accelerated again at the end of 2023.' Grossi considered diplomacy the only solution to the problems with Iran, saying, 'Diplomacy is the only thing we need. We must continue the dialogue and prevent the situation from deteriorating.' On January 15, Grossi also told the English-language newspaper 'The National' published in Abu Dhabi that the Islamic Republic of Iran is rapidly advancing its uranium enrichment program and continues to obstruct the agency's inspections. The latest report from the IAEA indicates that Iran has increased its production speed of uranium close to weapons-grade, with a purity of 60 percent. The IAEA also confirmed that Iran has increased the amount of 60 percent enriched uranium hexafluoride produced at the Fordow and Natanz sites from 3 kilograms to about 9 kilograms per month since the end of November. The four countries of the United States, France, Germany, and Britain condemned the increase in the speed and amount of 60 percent enriched uranium production by Iran in a joint statement. Mohammad Eslami, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of the Islamic Republic, described the reactions to the agency's report as 'media hype' aimed at 'diverting public opinion' from Gaza.