SAEDNEWS: The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, acknowledging that “scientific knowledge cannot be destroyed,” stated that if Iran decides to rebuild its uranium enrichment capacity or resume other nuclear activities, such a move would not be impossible for a country as determined as Iran.
According to Saed News’ political desk, Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), delivered a speech on Thursday at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), addressing the role of nuclear diplomacy, global challenges, and the agency’s work, followed by a Q&A session with attendees.
ISNA reported that Grossi highlighted the growing global interest in nuclear energy. Apart from Germany, which has completely phased out nuclear power, other countries continue to use it or are revising their policies, with doubts about its use gradually diminishing.
Grossi also emphasized that nuclear technology extends far beyond energy production. It plays a crucial role in cancer treatment, water management, and environmental protection, including reducing plastic pollution—areas particularly important for developing countries.
Pointing to political crises and the risk of nuclear weapons proliferation, including the situation at Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia plant, he stressed that the IAEA’s role in such contexts is to maintain an “active presence and oversight,” especially in countries like Iran, where he says concerns about nuclear programs persist.
Grossi referred to recent aggressive attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities by the United States and Israel, saying: “Last June, we witnessed attacks on Iran’s nuclear sites—almost unbelievably. The JCPOA, monitored by the IAEA and imposing limits on Iran’s nuclear program, was gradually abandoned. Explaining everything that happened would take time, but broadly speaking, you are aware. Responsibility lies with both sides, and it’s a topic for discussion. Yet this path led to a brief and violent confrontation.”
He added: “We are now working to rebuild trust with Iran because without trust, created through a rigorous inspection regime, there can be no return to confidence. Inspections must occur; otherwise, trust cannot be restored, and leaving issues unresolved risks the use of force in future conflicts. We are addressing this quietly and diplomatically. In a world where everything is visible, informal talks, secret channels, and confidential negotiations play a critical role in preventing escalation and further violence in a region already suffering.”
When asked why the IAEA cannot inspect Israel, which never signed the NPT, Grossi replied: “I wouldn’t say it’s forbidden. The Agency does not have the authority or permission to go there.”
Grossi explained that the global nuclear framework is based on the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), which was created because, before 1968, unchecked proliferation risked dozens of countries acquiring nuclear weapons. The treaty designated five permanent UN Security Council members as recognized nuclear powers while other countries voluntarily pledged not to develop nuclear weapons in exchange for access to peaceful nuclear technology under IAEA supervision.
He noted that four states—India, Pakistan, Israel, and North Korea—remain outside this framework. Israel has openly declared it is not an NPT member, so inspections only cover non-strategic, civilian facilities. Israel follows a “nuclear ambiguity” policy, neither confirming nor denying possession of nuclear weapons, limiting IAEA access to sensitive areas.
Grossi stated, “Personally, I support a world without nuclear weapons and believe all countries should sign the NPT. But we live in the real world. Israel argues it cannot abandon its nuclear ambiguity due to existential threats. Explaining their reasoning is for them, not me. However, entering the NPT system requires countries not to use civilian programs as a cover for weapons development, as Saddam Hussein did in Iraq.”
Responding to questions about U.S. attacks on Iran, Grossi said: “We are a peace-focused organization. Once a decision to bomb is made, our role as a peace-committed body becomes evident. Some argue the IAEA bears partial responsibility because we issued reports on Iran’s nuclear program. But producing these reports is part of our mission.”
He clarified: “In my recent report before the attacks, there were many misinterpretations, as if the report had triggered conflict. Those claims usually come from people who haven’t read or understood it. I stated clearly: Iran does not have nuclear weapons, nor a dedicated program to build them, though we noted concerns about transparency and certain gaps in the program.”
Grossi emphasized, “Our role is prevention and trust-building. I’ve said this not just at universities, but in Washington and elsewhere. A sustainable solution is diplomatic. History cannot be rewritten. Iran has nuclear capabilities, and while some infrastructure was destroyed, scientific knowledge cannot be eliminated.”
He concluded: “If Iran decides to rebuild uranium enrichment or other nuclear activities, a determined country could do so. Iran could even follow a North Korea-like path and say, ‘We are no longer bound by the NPT or the IAEA.’ That’s why rebuilding trust is vital. Fortunately, I see a willingness in the U.S. to help. We are working closely with officials to piece together the elements of a new agreement and stabilize the situation. This has been our role so far, and I hope to continue it in the future.”
