Speaking in an interview with the Swiss newspaper Neue Zürcher Zeitung, Rafael Grossi stated that inspectors have found no evidence suggesting Iran has hidden significant amounts of enriched uranium.
The IAEA chief claimed, “Most of Iran’s enriched material is stored at the known facilities in Isfahan and Fordow, and to some extent in Natanz. A small portion may have been moved elsewhere.”
He claimed that Iran currently possesses around 400 kilograms of highly enriched uranium.
According to Grossi, IAEA inspectors will only gain access to Iran’s nuclear sites “when Tehran sees it as being in its own interest.” He emphasized that gaining full access to Iran’s bombed facilities—after the US and Israeli strikes—would require Iran’s voluntary cooperation.
Grossi expressed confidence that “a diplomatic solution will be found to the disputes surrounding Iran’s nuclear program,” adding, “Bringing all parties back to the negotiating table can save us from another round of bombings and attacks.”
Addressing Iran’s reaction to the reimposition of sanctions and the activation of the “snapback” mechanism by the European trio (Germany, France, and the UK), Grossi said, “Iran’s response has not been entirely negative. It has not withdrawn from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), and while cooperation with the Agency continues, it’s still not at the desired level.”
Grossi concluded by saying that resolving Iran’s nuclear issue requires “patience and mutual understanding,” adding that “The Iranian question cannot be separated from the wider regional context. Ultimately, two issues will determine the future of the Middle East — the situation in Palestine and the future of Iran.”
MNA