The conflict between the United States (U.S.), Iran, and Israel risks the collapse of the global nuclear non-proliferation regime, warned yesterday the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Mariano Grossi, in a speech at the IAEA Board of Governors meeting.
“Today we meet in the midst of a serious conflict involving three IAEA member states, during which Iranian nuclear facilities were attacked. The gravity of this conflict risks the collapse of the global nuclear non-proliferation regime,” Grossi said yesterday.
Repeating the call for a diplomatic resolution of the conflict, he added that there is still a path for diplomacy.
“We must choose it, otherwise, violence and destruction could reach unimaginable levels, and the global nuclear non-proliferation regime, which has been the foundation of international security for over half a century, could collapse and fail,” he said.
Grossi emphasized that peace would be achieved through negotiations and that a return to the negotiating table and the return of IAEA inspectors, the guardians of Iran’s nuclear sites, would be the first steps.
“All special measures by Iran to protect nuclear materials and equipment can then be taken in accordance with Iran’s obligations regarding safeguards. That is possible. IAEA inspectors are in Iran and are ready,” he added.
Regarding the consequences of the U.S. attacks on Iranian nuclear sites, Grossi said that visible craters at the Fordow site indicate the use of ground-penetrating munitions, confirming Washington’s statement.
“Given the explosive payload used and the extremely sensitive nature of the centrifuges to vibrations, very significant damage is expected,” he said.
Grossi noted that additional buildings hit at the nuclear facility in Esfahan confirmed the use of cruise missiles by the U.S., pointing out that the fuel enrichment facility in Natanz was also hit by U.S. ground-penetrating munitions.
“Iran has informed the IAEA that there has been no increase in radiation levels outside the site at all three locations,” he added.
