The head of the global nuclear watchdog has said Iran is “galloping ahead” with its uranium enrichment program, claiming that it continues to put up barriers to inspections.
“Iran is the only non-nuclear weapon state which is enriching uranium at this very, very high level – very close to weapons grade,” he told The National News.
“I’m not saying they have a nuclear weapon, I’m saying this is sensitive. And when you’re doing that … you abide by the rules,” he said.
The IAEA’s latest report found Iran has increased the rate at which it is producing high-grade uranium, reversing a slowdown that started in mid-2023.
Grossi said Iran’s push for high-grade uranium comes at a time of huge tension in West Asia, with the war in Gaza and the global hatred towards the Israeli regime and its allies.
Grossi said dialogue remains open with Iran, which has always declared its program is for civilian use.
“A snapshot shows a program which is galloping ahead, moving ahead with ambitious goals. We have nothing against that. But we say the visibility of the international inspectorate, the IAEA, must be commensurate with those activities,” he added.
Grossi accused Iran of obstructing the inspections, but last month he said that the monitoring of Iran’s nuclear facilities continues despite the cancellation of the license of the inspectors of this international body.
SD/PR
