Vienna – The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, on Monday voiced serious concern over the extensive damage likely sustained by Iranian nuclear facilities following recent U.S. military strikes.
Grossi’s remarks came in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s confirmation that American forces had bombed three key nuclear sites in Iran—Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan—and warned Tehran of further precision strikes unless it de-escalates its confrontation with Israel.
Addressing an emergency meeting of the IAEA’s Board of Governors in Vienna, Grossi stated:
“At this time, no one—including the IAEA—is in a position to fully assess the underground damage at Fordow. Given the explosive payloads used and the extreme vibration sensitivity of centrifuges, very significant damage is expected.”
According to the IAEA chief, satellite imagery and preliminary intelligence indicate visible craters at the Fordow site. At the Esfahan facility, multiple buildings were struck by U.S. cruise missiles, including structures linked to uranium conversion and tunnel entrances used to store enriched material. The Fuel Enrichment Plant at Natanz was also hit, with the U.S. confirming the use of ground-penetrating munitions.
Iran has informed the IAEA that no off-site radiation increase has been detected at any of the three sites. Grossi confirmed that the agency is unaware of any further attacks since the initial strikes early Sunday morning.
Warning of the broader implications, Grossi said the current escalation between three IAEA member states—the U.S., Iran, and Israel—threatens the stability of the global nuclear non-proliferation regime.
“The weight of this conflict risks collapsing the framework that has prevented the spread of nuclear weapons for decades,” he said.
He urged a return to diplomacy and emphasized the urgent need to restore IAEA access to Iranian facilities.
“We must return to the negotiating table. Iran must allow IAEA inspectors—acting on behalf of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)—to resume their work, including verification of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles, particularly the 400kg enriched to 60 percent,” Grossi said.
Citing past IAEA General Conference resolutions, he reminded members that armed attacks on nuclear installations are unacceptable, warning they could lead to catastrophic radioactive fallout across national borders.
Grossi called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, stressing that only under safe and secure conditions can inspectors safely return to assess the damage and verify compliance.
“Military escalation not only endangers lives but also delays the only viable path forward—diplomacy,” he concluded. “For the long-term assurance that Iran does not acquire a nuclear weapon and to uphold the global non-proliferation regime, we must act now.” (Source: IANS)
