IAEA Chief Says Iran Mission Will Continue Despite Possible UN Referral
IAEA chief Rafael Grossi says his agency's work in Iran will continue regardless of any UN Security Council referral, urging Tehran to engage in serious dialogue.
The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, has stated that the agency's work in Iran will proceed irrespective of any potential referral to the UN Security Council. Speaking at a press conference in Vienna, Grossi affirmed, "I have a mission there and I have to continue my work."
His comments come as the United States, Britain, France, and Germany have reportedly drafted a resolution for the IAEA's Board of Governors that would refer Iran to the Security Council. Such a move would stem from Iran's alleged failure to meet its nuclear nonproliferation obligations, which require the declaration of all nuclear material and activities and allow for IAEA inspections to verify their peaceful use.
Grossi indicated that a resolution, if adopted, would become part of the operating landscape, but it would not alter the IAEA's fundamental mandate in the country. He emphasized that the agency's core function remains unchanged.
Addressing recent challenges, Grossi noted that Iran has not provided clarity on issues related to access and physical conditions at certain sites. He stated that Tehran needs to explain specific problems, such as whether there have been changes to the nuclear inventory due to attacks or why certain locations are inaccessible, to facilitate the necessary interaction.
Grossi reiterated that the most direct path to a positive outcome is for Iran to engage in a serious and constructive dialogue. He expressed confidence that such engagement, which would address security and confidentiality concerns, would have a beneficial impact and demonstrate that the IAEA-Iran process deserves support. "This will help peace and not war," he concluded.