IAEA Chief Warns Israeli Attack May Prompt Iran to Pursue Nuclear Weapons

The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, has expressed concern that a military strike by Israel on Iran’s nuclear facilities could inadvertently strengthen Iran’s resolve to develop nuclear weapons. This statement comes amid ongoing indirect negotiations between the United States and Iran, facilitated by Omani mediation, aiming to restore a nuclear agreement originally established in 2015.

In interviews with i24 News and The Jerusalem Post, Grossi indicated that the Iranian government had communicated to him the serious repercussions that could result from an aerial attack. He articulated that a military action could solidify Iran’s commitment to its nuclear aspirations or even prompt Tehran to withdraw from the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

Furthermore, Grossi conveyed skepticism about the likelihood of an Israeli strike happening, noting, “One thing is certain: The Iranian program runs wide and deep.” He emphasized that many of Iran’s nuclear facilities are exceptionally well-protected, suggesting that disrupting them would require significant military force.

As the international community watches closely, Iran is poised to present a counterproposal to a recent U.S. offer regarding a renewed nuclear agreement. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei criticized the U.S. proposal for lacking essential components and failing to meet Tehran’s demands for sanctions relief. He indicated that a new plan would soon be submitted through Omani channels, although specifics remain under wraps.

Baghaei also took issue with the IAEA’s latest report, calling it “unbalanced” and accusing the agency of using deceptive information purportedly supplied by Israel. Recently, the IAEA labeled Iran’s levels of cooperation as “less than satisfactory,” particularly regarding the clarification of past nuclear activities at undeclared sites.

The backdrop to these discussions is the mixed legacy of nuclear negotiations during the Trump administration, which saw the U.S. withdraw from the 2015 agreement in 2018. Despite these challenges, diplomatic efforts continue, with even former President Trump advising Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to refrain from actions that could jeopardize the fragile negotiations.

While the timeline for the next round of discussions remains uncertain, Iranian officials have confirmed that dialogues are ongoing. There is a shared hope that renewed commitments to diplomacy can pave the way forward, fostering stability in a region that has long sought peaceful coexistence amid complex geopolitical narratives.

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