Iran has firmly dismissed a request from Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), to visit nuclear facilities that were recently targeted by Israeli and U.S. airstrikes. The Iranian government interprets this request as indicative of “malign intent,” according to Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
In a statement on social media platform X, Araghchi stated, “Grossi’s insistence on visiting the bombed sites under the pretext of safeguards is meaningless and possibly even malign in intent.” He further affirmed Iran’s intention to defend its interests, people, and sovereignty, implying that any interference would be met with resistance.
Araghchi criticized Grossi specifically for not condemning the attacks carried out by Israel and the United States against Iranian nuclear sites. He characterized the IAEA chief’s silence as an “astounding betrayal of his duties” and accused him of having “directly facilitated” these unlawful bombardments. Araghchi’s remarks were fueled by a recent IAEA report dated May 31, which suggested that Iran had provided “less than satisfactory” cooperation regarding its nuclear activities. The report subsequently led to a censure motion being adopted by the IAEA’s board of governors, an outcome that Iran believes contributed to the escalated military actions taken by Israel starting June 13.
Adding to the tension, the Iranian parliament recently passed legislation that suspends cooperation with the UN watchdog. Araghchi indicated that Iran’s future relationship with the IAEA would depend on the assurance of safety and security concerning its nuclear activities.
Earlier in the week, Grossi emphasized the need for IAEA inspectors to gain access to Iran’s facilities, particularly to assess the status of the country’s significant stockpile of highly enriched uranium. This request has raised alarms in Israel and among Western countries, who are concerned about Iran’s potential capacities to relocate its nuclear stockpile amidst the ongoing geopolitical crisis.
