WASHINGTON — The UN nuclear watchdog says there is no “solid evidence” to suggest that Iran is rebuilding its nuclear facilities following US and Israeli attacks.
In an interview published by Argentinian newspaper Clarin, Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said talks on Tehran’s nuclear program remain stalled because of the war. He added that Iran’s roughly 440kg (972 pounds) of highly enriched uranium is still located where it was at the time of the Twelve-Day War last year.
“The facilities have suffered significant damage. Perhaps they are beginning to rebuild some of their infrastructure, that can’t be denied, but there’s no solid evidence to suggest that’s the case. So, the issue remains a major unresolved matter,” Grossi said.
“We are ready, and I hope we can resume work there as soon as possible.”
He said nuclear negotiations with Iran are currently stalled, describing the situation surrounding Iran’s nuclear program as being at an impasse.
Until key issues, including the situation surrounding the Strait of Hormuz and other broader matters, are clarified, the nuclear issue will not be a priority, Grossi said during a press conference in Washington.
His remarks came as Iran’s nuclear chief claimed that his country’s nuclear industry matches some of the world’s best, despite US sanctions and military strikes.
“Today, Iran’s nuclear industry is moving alongside and on a par with the leading countries in this field,” Mohammad Eslami, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, said on Wednesday.
Iran’s enemies allege its nuclear program is for non-peaceful purposes as they seek to weaken the country, he added.
“They themselves know in substance and their actions have also demonstrated, that their main objective is to prevent the progress of the Islamic Republic of Iran.”
Iran maintains that its nuclear program is solely for civilian purposes, including nuclear energy.
Trump says he launched the war on Iran, alongside Israel, to prevent Tehran from weaponizing its nuclear program. However, US intelligence concluded that Iran was not planning to build nuclear bombs, while media reports now suggest that Iran may be more inclined to try to acquire them because of the war.
Source: Saudi Gazette