Vienna, Austria – Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), stressed that any political settlement or potential agreement between Washington and Tehran must be based on “comprehensive and very rigorous verification mechanisms.” He also warned that the absence of close monitoring would render any understanding a mere “illusion of an agreement” with no real value.
An ambitious program that requires international oversight
In remarks to reporters during his visit to Seoul, South Korea, reported by the Associated Press, Rafael Grossi stressed that the nature of Iran’s nuclear program imposes a technical reality that cannot be ignored.
Grossi said, “Iran has an ambitious and extensive nuclear program, and this reality necessarily requires the permanent and effective presence of IAEA inspectors. Without this oversight, there will be no real agreement; you will only have the illusion of one.”
A comprehensive and highly detailed mechanism
Rafael Grossi explained that any agreement concerning sensitive nuclear technology requires a “comprehensive and highly detailed mechanism” to verify activities. It must also ensure that these activities do not deviate from their declared peaceful purpose, especially given Tehran’s recent technological advancements in uranium enrichment levels.
Bridging the trust gap
Grossi’s remarks come at a sensitive time, as the region witnesses intense diplomatic efforts led by regional actors to mediate between Washington and Tehran. While Iran consistently insists its nuclear program is solely for peaceful energy purposes, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Western powers continue to raise questions about past activities. IAEA reports indicate that Tehran had a structured program to develop nuclear weapons until 2003, reinforcing international demands for an “unconditional” inspection regime.
A message to the negotiators
Observers believe Grossi’s message is directed squarely at the powers involved in the current “probing” negotiations, conveying that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is the only party authorized to grant technical legitimacy to any agreement.
Grossi concluded his remarks by emphasizing that “rigorous verification mechanisms” are the only guarantee against a nuclear arms race in the region. He also affirmed that the IAEA will not accept a marginal role in any future deal aimed at resolving the decades-long Iranian nuclear crisis.
