Vienna, Austria – The American newspaper “Wall Street Journal” quoted informed sources as saying that the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi, has been receiving 24-hour security protection for weeks. This follows a threat coming from Iran.
According to the newspaper, the elite unit of Austria’s security services is responsible for protecting Grossi.
After the Austrian intelligence agency received information about a threat from a “third party” to the head of the Vienna-based agency.
Iran accused Grossi of contributing to igniting Israel’s 12-day war last June.
“His reports on Iran’s nuclear program were biased and spread unfounded concerns about Tehran’s nuclear activities,” she said.
Senior Iranian officials called for his removal from office and trial.
Ali Larijani, head of Iran’s National Security Council, wrote in a previous post on the X platform: “When the war is over, we will deal with Grossi.”
A senior Iranian judicial official also stated after the war that the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency might be tried in absentia.
This is a measure that would severely complicate cooperation between Iran and the agency.
After the war ended, Grossi withdrew IAEA inspectors from Iran “for their safety”.
This was in a secret operation that saw them evacuated by land, carried out with Tehran’s approval.
In late June, according to officials, Grossi was granted security protection from Austria’s Cobra special services unit. This information comes from the Wall Street Journal.
Cobra unit
This tactical force is deployed to confront the most serious threats, such as terrorist threats. They also secure senior figures, including the Austrian Chancellor.
In cases of tangible threats against dignitaries, the unit deploys officers armed with light machine guns. They use at least two armored vehicles.
A source familiar with the matter said Austria acted on intelligence indicating a specific threat to Grossi from Iranian personnel.
A second source said the unit was informed that the threat was “coming from Iran.” Additionally, authorities were taking it seriously.
“We can confirm that Austria has recruited the Cobra unit, but we cannot confirm the source of the threat,” IAEA spokesman Frederick Dahl said.
