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IAEA Denies Nuclear Facilities at Israeli-Targeted Parchin Site
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IAEA Denial of Nuclear Facilities in Parchin Reveals Contradiction Between Israeli Statements and Ground Facts According to International Organization
IAEA Chief Executive Rafael Grossi today denied any indicators suggesting the targeted portion of Parchin military complex, hit by Israeli strike last month, contained nuclear facilities or materials.
Grossi's statements came in response to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Monday claim that Israel targeted "a specific part of the nuclear program" in Iran.
The UN official praised Tehran's "substantial step" in beginning arrangements to halt its highly enriched uranium stockpile growth.
Speaking to media at the start of IAEA Board of Governors meeting in Vienna, he stated: "I see this as a substantial step in the right direction," adding this happens "for the first time." He continued, "We have here a fact verified by our observers," referring to Western powers' demands for actions over statements.
According to the international organization's report, experts detected at Natanz and Fordow nuclear facilities "Iran beginning implementation of preparations aimed at stopping its 60% enriched uranium stockpile increase."
This percentage approaches the 90% required for nuclear weapon manufacturing. Tehran denies such military ambitions, maintaining its right to nuclear technology for peaceful uses, particularly power generation.
Despite this last-minute compliance, the three European capitals Paris, Berlin, and London (E3) with Washington proposed a resolution condemning Iran's non-cooperation ahead of Thursday's vote, according to diplomatic sources.
If approved, Iranian authorities warned they would take "appropriate measures in response." In this context, Grossi urged the council's 35 member state representatives to "be patient" and "avoid unjustified tension, especially in a region that has suffered greatly."
Tehran gradually abandoned its nuclear commitments protesting Washington's 2018 withdrawal from the international agreement signed three years earlier in Vienna.
While Grossi acknowledged "much effort" still required to enhance cooperation after years of tension, he emphasized "the importance of Iran taking a different approach for the first time (...) announcing 'okay we'll stop,'" explaining Tehran set "no conditions," but he "doesn't rule out" its commitment withdrawal if the decisive resolution passes.
Levant-Agencies
