Vienna: The International Energy Agency (IAEA) warned on Monday that military escalation threatens the collapse of the nuclear non-proliferation system, as Iran's nuclear facilities are under direct attack. This statement was made by IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi during an emergency meeting of the IAEA's Board of Governors at the Agency's headquarters in Vienna. Grossi emphasized the importance of pursuing diplomatic solutions to prevent unprecedented violence and destruction.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Grossi highlighted the necessity for peace in Iran, the Israeli-occupied territories, and the broader Middle East, urging a return to negotiations and allowing IAEA inspectors access to Iran's nuclear facilities to verify stockpiles. Grossi mentioned that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had informed him of Iran's plans to take special measures to protect its nuclear equipment and materials. Grossi responded by emphasizing the need for the IAEA to be informed about any transfer of nuclear material within Iran under the safeguards agreement.
Grossi further explained that IAEA inspectors remain in Iran and are prepared to perform their duties. He asserted that any measures taken by Iran to secure its nuclear material must be coordinated with the IAEA in accordance with its legal obligations. Discussing the recent strikes, Grossi reported damage at the Fordow site, which houses a 60 percent enrichment facility, noting that a comprehensive damage assessment is pending but anticipated to be significant.
The IAEA Director General also addressed attacks on facilities associated with uranium conversion at the Isfahan site and the Natanz fuel enrichment facility. Iran has assured the IAEA that no increase in radiation levels has been detected outside the targeted sites, and Grossi stressed the importance of ongoing communication with Iranian authorities and the IAEA's emergency center for continued monitoring.
Grossi reiterated the potential dangers of military attacks on nuclear facilities, warning of catastrophic radioactive emissions that could extend beyond the target country's borders. He called for restraint and the avoidance of military escalation, underscoring negotiation as the sole pathway to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons and to uphold the non-proliferation system's integrity. The IAEA, he affirmed, is ready to fully engage in resolving the military escalation and urged all parties to support the Agency's efforts.