Chief of IAEA Acknowledges Iran’s Progress in Nuclear Program with Concrete Steps in Right Direction

The director general of the IAEA, Rafael Grossi, noted that Iran has taken positive steps towards addressing its nuclear program. However, the quarterly report released by the IAEA following Grossi’s visit to Iran highlights that Iran has accumulated more than 32 times the allowable amount of enriched uranium under the JCPOA.

The report issued on Wednesday revealed that as of Oct. 26, Iran’s total enriched uranium stockpile stood at 6,604.4 kilograms, indicating an increase of 852.6 kilograms since the previous quarterly report in August.

Iran has significantly boosted its uranium enrichment levels to 60 percent purity, approaching the 90 percent threshold considered weapons-grade.

Furthermore, the IAEA report indicated that as of Oct. 26, Iran possessed 182.3 kilograms (401.9 pounds) of uranium enriched to 60 percent, marking an increase of 17.6 kilograms (38.8 pounds) since August.

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Grossi stated, “Iran has accepted my request to exercise restraint and has already begun taking initial technical steps to address the issue. However, much more needs to be done to address the outstanding verification issues and prevent unnecessary escalations in the region.”

The IAEA inspectors verified that Iran had initiated measures to halt the increase of its stockpile of 60 percent enriched uranium at the Fordow and Natanz nuclear sites shortly after Grossi’s departure from Iran on Nov. 16.

Addressing concerns raised by journalists, Grossi acknowledged that Iran had taken tangible steps in the right direction regarding its nuclear activities. However, he refrained from commenting on whether these actions were deemed satisfactory.

At a recent ceremony in Florida, Grossi received an award and denied any meetings with the incoming Trump administration during his visit. The ongoing developments in Iran’s nuclear program coincide with Israeli airstrikes on Iranian targets, prompting international attention and concerns.

Resolution Would ‘Complicate Matters’

A resolution condemning Iran’s actions is under consideration by the IAEA board of governors, with European Union and E3 (Britain, France, Germany) support. Iran’s Foreign Minister cautioned that such a resolution could further complicate the situation.

The JCPOA, signed in 2015, aimed to curb Iran’s nuclear advancements in exchange for sanctions relief. However, the agreement was abandoned by the Trump administration, citing its one-sided nature.

The IAEA report emphasized the need for Iran to refrain from expanding its enriched uranium stockpile and discussed actions taken during Grossi’s recent visit to Tehran.

Grossi highlighted that Taleghan, a site allegedly targeted by Israeli airstrikes, is not classified as a nuclear facility by the IAEA. He stressed the importance of preserving nuclear facilities and expressed hope for diplomatic resolutions.

Efforts to engage with the Israeli government on Iran’s nuclear activities are underway, with discussions planned in the near future. The IAEA board of governors’ agenda includes reviewing the NPT safeguards agreement with Iran, as commitments to collaboration and verification remain crucial.

Despite challenges such as surveillance camera interference and restricted inspector access, the international community, including the US, remains steadfast in accountability efforts towards Iran’s nuclear program.

Plans for increased pressure on Iran in the coming years coincide with evolving developments and diplomatic engagements on the global stage. As the situation unfolds, diplomatic dialogue and international cooperation will remain essential in addressing nuclear non-proliferation challenges.

Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.