UN nuclear chief says military force cannot end Iran nuclear standoff
The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said on Monday that only a negotiated solution can end the international standoff over Iran's nuclear program, as the diplomatic outlook following a 12-day war remains unclear.
“The solution cannot be military, as it is impossible to completely destroy the potential of such an important country with a technological and industrial base,” said IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi at a press conference in Warsaw on Monday.
Grossi emphasized that any lasting solution must include a robust verification mechanism.
“In each of the possible scenarios, a diplomatic agreement must be reached. The appropriate systemic verification should be part of such an agreement, and the necessary structure should be in place,” Grossi said.
“Otherwise, we will be dealing with a very fragile agreement,” he added.
Tehran has accused the IAEA of sharing sensitive information with Israel and the United States and of failing to condemn last month’s airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
IAEA inspectors remained in Tehran throughout the 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel but left the country last week.
Grossi said he remains hopeful about resuming cooperation with Iran soon, adding that talks are ongoing through intermediaries.
