Rafael Mariano Grossi, the director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), on Wednesday described Iran’s September decision to bar several seasoned UN inspectors as a major setback for the agency’s monitoring capabilities. Speaking at the IAEA Board of Governors’ meeting in Vienna, Grossi emphasized that the barred inspectors are experienced in areas like enrichment, crucial for assessing Iran’s nuclear activities.
Iran’s move targeted about one-third of the IAEA’s core group of seasoned inspectors assigned to the country, a decision Grossi called “completely uncalled for” and “illogical.” He expressed hope for reversing Iran’s decision and is in talks with Mohammad Eslami, head of Iran’s civilian nuclear program.
This development follows a confidential IAEA report stating that Iran continues to restrict inspector access and has increased its stockpile of near weapons-grade uranium. As of October 28, Iran possesses an estimated 128.3 kilograms (282.9 pounds) of uranium enriched up to 60% purity, a significant jump from the September report.
Iran maintains its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, but the IAEA warns Tehran has enough enriched uranium for multiple nuclear bombs. Uranium enriched at 60% is close to the weapons-grade level of 90%. Iran linked the barring of inspectors to alleged political misuse of the IAEA by the US and three European countries, who have urged greater cooperation from Tehran.
The IAEA also reported no progress on explaining man-made uranium particles found at undeclared sites in Iran, nor on reinstalling monitoring equipment removed in June 2022.