Saed News: Some of Trump’s critics believe that Witkoff, who has a background in real estate, is unqualified for this mission. However, Grossi disagrees with this view and says, “I’ve seen cases where countries first need to be convinced that they even want to negotiate. But that’s not the case here — very serious talks are underway.
According to Saed News, quoting Jamaran, Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)—often referred to as the world’s “nuclear watchdog”—expressed concern in an interview with the Financial Times about the dangerous situation at the Zaporizhzhia power plant in Ukraine, emphasizing the crucial role of diplomacy in preventing a nuclear disaster. The full Financial Times report is as follows:
At the “Sole” restaurant in Vienna, Grossi uses his knife on the white tablecloth to mark two points: “Here is Moscow” and “Here is Kyiv.” Then, pointing to the area between them, he says: “This is Zaporizhzhia.” He explains that the massive plant, which once supplied 20% of Ukraine’s electricity, is now occupied by Russian forces and is the first civilian nuclear facility to be caught in an active war zone.
Grossi says, “There’s been much more shelling there now, and the Russians are applying heavy pressure.” Since 2022, an IAEA inspection team has been stationed at the plant on a rotating basis to prevent a disaster like Chernobyl. Grossi, who has personally visited the site five times—even under direct fire—says, “It’s extremely dangerous. But we must be there.”
Despite the calm and upscale atmosphere of the restaurant, Grossi deals with risks that could threaten the very existence of civilization—whether through accidental nuclear incidents or deliberate attacks. Referring to Vladimir Putin’s repeated nuclear threats, Grossi says, “It’s troubling because this is becoming normalized. Such talk used to be taboo, but now people discuss tactical nuclear weapons as if they were acceptable.”
Beyond Ukraine, Grossi is also dealing with challenges like North Korea’s nuclear threats, tensions between India and Pakistan, and the sensitive case of Iran. According to a confidential IAEA report, Tehran has significantly increased its stockpile of near-weapons-grade enriched uranium, while Israel has issued threats of military action.
A Grim Outlook, Yet Hope in Technology
While nuclear threats are rising, so is global interest in nuclear energy as a clean power source. Grossi says the future of this technology—both its dangers and potential—now hinges on political will and diplomacy.
Commenting on the heavy responsibility he bears, Grossi says, “I’m a calm person. I focus on what I can do.” He chose the restaurant for its proximity to the opera, fitting his Italian heritage. Though born in Argentina, his family is of Italian descent. He speaks six languages, including Spanish and Italian, and still wears bracelets from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar to honor Argentina’s victory.
From Patagonian Diplomacy to UN Secretary-General Candidacy
Grossi, who studied political science, has previously held various diplomatic missions, including at the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. Since 2019, he has led the IAEA with a staff of 2,500. He is also preparing to run for UN Secretary-General next year, saying, “My work is my campaign.”
Grossi enters the interview with two phones, joking, “One is public and one is private—but all politicians want access to the private one.”
Zaporizhzhia and Grossi’s Dangerous Missions
Freshly returned from Italy, Grossi mentions upcoming meetings with Ukrainian and Russian leaders to discuss Zaporizhzhia. His team enters the plant through Ukrainian territory to emphasize Ukrainian sovereignty, but crossing front lines is extremely risky: “You cross a bridge, then have to walk and climb with ropes.” He adds that the Russians recently warned him he might be killed if he returns: “We never really know who’s shooting.”
Fortunately, the plant is currently in a “cold” (inactive) state, which reduces the risk of radioactive release in the event of an attack. However, there are still materials on-site that could be dangerous if struck: “We have to hold on until there’s a ceasefire.”
Grossi: Iran Is My Greatest Concern
In the interview, Rafael Grossi says his greatest concern is Iran. During Barack Obama’s presidency, Iran allowed IAEA inspectors to monitor its nuclear facilities and accepted strict limitations under the nuclear deal known as the JCPOA. In return, some U.S. sanctions were lifted.
However, in 2018, during Donald Trump’s presidency, the U.S. unilaterally withdrew from the agreement. According to the latest IAEA report, Iran has since restricted inspector access and stockpiled a significant amount of 60% enriched uranium—very close to weapons-grade.
Grossi warns: “At the moment, Iran does not have a nuclear bomb, but it has the materials to make one.” He adds that if a political decision is made, “the bomb could be built very quickly.”
War Risks and Renewed Negotiations Under Trump
Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy, has resumed talks with Iran, but Grossi warns: “Iran poses a potentially catastrophic risk. If talks collapse, military action is very likely.”
He explains that Iran’s nuclear infrastructure can’t be easily destroyed in a single strike: “The most sensitive parts are miles underground. I’ve been there many times. You have to go down a winding tunnel deep into the earth.”
Grossi doesn’t know if he can prevent a potential Israeli strike, but he welcomes the resumption of negotiations between Tehran and Washington.
After the FT interview, reports surfaced that Witkoff had even presented a preliminary draft of an agreement. However, both Iran and the U.S. have since adopted harsher and more threatening rhetoric, casting doubt on the future of the talks.
Some of Trump’s critics argue that Witkoff, a former real estate developer, is unqualified for this mission. Grossi disagrees, saying: “I’ve seen situations where countries first need to be persuaded to negotiate at all. But that’s not the case here—serious talks are underway.”
He continues: “Witkoff is a very serious person. I don’t agree with those who say he’s unqualified. I can’t express my political preferences, as I work with both Democrats and Republicans, but I can say objectively that Trump initiated talks that previously didn’t exist—and that is commendable.”
IAEA Withstood U.S. Pressure
While the Trump administration weakened or threatened to defund many UN-related organizations, the IAEA remained unaffected. Grossi believes this may be due to Trump’s prioritization of nuclear threats or his support for civilian nuclear energy—or both.
All-Sided Diplomacy, Even With Critics
Grossi emphasizes his commitment to dialogue with all parties, even if some accuse him of bias. He chuckles, “The Koreans depict me as a shark.”
He is a controversial figure in South Korea, which is highly sensitive about North Korea’s nuclear weapons.
In 2023, a dispute arose between China and Japan over the release of treated water from the Fukushima plant into the ocean. China reacted angrily, but Grossi helped ease tensions by inviting Chinese inspectors to Fukushima.
North Korea Challenges and Relations With China and Japan
Grossi laments that North Korea is the only country unwilling to negotiate with him, saying: “They expelled us in 2009. But we know they have 60 to 70 warheads.” He notes that the lack of communication with Pyongyang increases the risk of accidents or catastrophic misunderstandings.
Looking Ahead: Partnering With the Private Sector and UN Aspirations
Grossi announced that the IAEA will hold its first official talks this year with tech companies on the intersection of AI and nuclear energy. He says, “We need something like the ‘Seven Sisters’ of the oil industry.”
At the end of the interview, when asked whether Trump might support his UN candidacy, he replies, “I hope everyone supports me.”
