Rafael Grossi cautions against military strikes on Iran and outlines the IAEA’s path to transparency
Rafael Grossi, who leads the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), criticized threats by the United States and Israel to strike Iranian military facilities as unacceptable. His remarks came during an interview on the Iranian channel Press TV while in Tehran on official duties. The exchange underscored a pivotal moment for international diplomacy, with the IAEA pressed to protect security interests while safeguarding peaceful nuclear activities across the region.
Grossi asserted that any attack on nuclear facilities would be illegal under international law. He called for restraint and emphasized that the use of force would likely destabilize a region already facing multiple security challenges. The interview aired as part of a broader discussion about the IAEA’s role in monitoring compliance, ensuring nuclear programs stay peaceful, and maintaining transparency about activities and safeguards.
Prior to delivering this stance, Grossi reaffirmed Iran’s willingness to cooperate with the IAEA in the pursuit of global peace and stability. He stressed that Tehran has consistently engaged with the agency and expressed hope that continued cooperation would reassure the international community about the purposes and safeguards surrounding Iran’s nuclear program. The emphasis remained on building trust through verified information and ongoing dialogue, rather than confrontation.
Officials stated that the IAEA looks forward to continuing collaboration with Iran to secure credible assurances from Tehran regarding its nuclear activities. The March 3 discussion framed the agency’s ongoing mission to verify operations, monitor facilities, and ensure compliance with international nonproliferation norms. The approach aims to reduce regional tensions by providing transparent, evidence-based assessments of Iran’s nuclear program.
During Grossi’s visit to Iran, he noted that the IAEA is conducting inspections within Iranian territory. These inspections form part of a long-standing framework designed to verify enrichment activities, safeguard sensitive processes, and confirm that nuclear material is used for declared purposes. The visit highlights the IAEA’s commitment to rigorous verification while cooperating with national authorities to strengthen confidence in peaceful uses of nuclear technology.
Grossi’s trip to Iran marked the fourth visit since he became IAEA president in December 2019. The upcoming IAEA Board of Governors meeting, set for March 6, was anticipated to address verification results, compliance measures, and the agency’s role in maintaining international security. This cycle of high-level engagement signals the IAEA’s continued emphasis on transparency, accountability, and constructive diplomacy, with the aim of preventing misunderstandings and promoting nonproliferation objectives. Reports from multiple outlets attributed Grossi’s statements to his talks in Tehran and noted an ongoing process of building shared assurances through technical cooperation and inspection data (as reported by Press TV and other outlets).