Grossi: No evidence Iran intends to build nuclear weapons

According to Geneva Solutions, Grossi commented on the recent Israeli and U.S. strikes targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities, claiming that “the damage to key sites in Isfahan, Natanz, and Fordow was severe.” However, he added, “Even if President Trump talks about total destruction, Iran’s technical expertise remains intact, and its centrifuges—used for uranium enrichment—can be rebuilt.”

Grossi alleged that Iran still possesses enriched uranium, including “around 400 kilograms enriched up to 60 percent, which is just below weapons-grade level.”

Despite this, he said: “We have no evidence that Tehran intends to build a nuclear weapon. To be certain, inspections must resume. We believe most of Iran’s highly enriched uranium remains at the Isfahan, Natanz, and Fordow facilities. The IAEA inspected those sites before the Israeli strikes, and since then, we’ve been monitoring them through satellite imagery. Countries tracking Iran’s nuclear activity have reached the same conclusions as we have.”

On Iran’s diplomatic stance, Grossi stated: “After Israel’s attack, Iran could have cut ties with the international community and withdrawn from the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), but it didn’t. I commend that decision. I maintain regular contact with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to help preserve the diplomatic atmosphere.”

He added that Tehran currently allows IAEA inspectors to enter the country only “on a drip-feed basis.”

Grossi said Iran imposes these restrictions for security reasons, adding, “I understand that, but if diplomacy fails, I fear a return to the use of force.”

In response to a question about his possible candidacy for UN Secretary-General, Grossi claimed: “The United Nations has lost its capacity for active diplomacy. That worries me—but it also motivates me. Look at the global conflict map: the UN has become practically invisible. Conflict resolution should be at the top of its priorities, and I want to restore that central role.”