Grossi: Iran’s nuclear issue concerns only the IAEA and Tehran

On Wednesday, November 18, Rafael Grossi, Director-General of the IAEA, said during a press briefing following the opening of the Board of Governors meeting: “We will be able to publish reliable reports regarding Iran’s nuclear facilities.”

He claimed: “Contrary to widespread reporting, we have not asked the Board of Governors for a solution or a resolution.”

Grossi added that there are areas of joint cooperation that have still not produced the desired results.

The IAEA Director-General continued: “We still believe that enriched uranium exists, and it must be recovered and inspected.”

He stressed that Iran’s nuclear issue concerns only Tehran and the Agency.

Grossi said Iran made a “wise decision” by remaining within the structure of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

Referring to the fact that the Agency has not been able to visit Iranian nuclear sites that were targeted, he expressed hope that such access would be granted soon. He then claimed that Iran is not fulfilling its obligations under the NPT.

Grossi also stated that Iran’s stockpiles of enriched uranium still exist and noted: “We expect our cooperation with Iran to continue; however, there remains a gap between Iran and the Agency that has not yet been bridged.”

The IAEA Board of Governors’ seasonal meeting began on Wednesday, November 18. The session will continue until Friday, November 20, with multiple issues on the agenda.