Nournews: Rafael Grossi, Director General of the IAEA, commented on Iran’s nuclear program in an interview with a French media outlet.

Responding to a question from RFI’s host asking, “After the airstrikes in June on some of Iran’s nuclear sites, do you think it is possible for Iran to resume cooperation with the Agency? What reason is there for Iran to return to full cooperation with the IAEA?” Grossi said: “Without a practical and stable agreement, this threat will always hang like the Sword of Damocles, and problems could arise again at any moment. Therefore, a practical and lasting solution for all parties must be reached.”

He continued in the interview on Monday: “Let us not forget that even if Iran’s physical infrastructure, particularly at Isfahan, Natanz, and Fordow, has been heavily damaged, nuclear materials still exist. Iran possesses about 400 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 percent, which remains a concern, and my colleagues in Iran are well aware of this.”

The Director General added that “confidential talks and contacts are still ongoing, and I can confirm that communication with Iran is maintained,” noting: “However, we have not yet succeeded in restoring cooperation at a full and official level. Nevertheless, I believe this cooperation is essential and unavoidable; otherwise, it will soon become one of the IAEA’s immediate priorities. We are working tirelessly and persistently, and we remain hopeful.”

During talks between Iran and the IAEA, including discussions between Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s Foreign Minister, and Grossi, an agreement was reached in Cairo regarding the mechanism for IAEA inspections of Iran’s nuclear facilities. However, Western political actions prevented the agreement from being implemented.

Mohammad Eslami, Head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization, stated regarding inspections: “We granted permission to inspect sites that were not attacked, but the issue concerns the sites that were subject to military strikes, and there must be a protocol for inspecting these facilities. The Agency, which neither condemned the attacks nor has any guidelines for such situations, has no right to claim inspections. The pressure from three European countries, the U.S., and Israel does not matter to us and has no effect.”

Eslami added: “The Director General must answer the world because this could happen to any country. Our nuclear facilities have been under IAEA supervision, and the Agency must explain why it did not condemn the attacks and what instructions or protocols it has for nuclear sites under attack.”

Behrouz Kamalvandi, spokesperson for Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization, also said: “The pressure to grant access quickly will lead nowhere. National security and the safety of nuclear facilities require that inspections be conducted carefully, according to the law, and only when it is ensured that the facilities are not at risk.”