Tehran – Rafael Grossi, director of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said the situation in Iran is “relatively controlled.”
In an interview with Argentine media outlets on Saturday, Grossi addressed concerns that Iran is approaching its ability to produce nuclear weapons. He described Iran’s nuclear program as “very ambitious and extensive,” claiming that the country is enriching uranium to a level “almost suitable for military use.”
“Iran remains a permanent item on the IAEA agenda,” Grossi emphasized. He said Iran has shown fluctuations in its nuclear commitment and sometimes fails to fully comply with international agreements that have raised tensions with the global community.
“The role of the IAEA in negotiations is absolutely essential, especially during this period of intense international instability in the Middle East,” he added. “In Iran, there is a relatively controlled situation, although very close to the nuclear threshold.”
His remarks come despite repeated assurances from Tehran that its nuclear program is strictly peaceful and under continued IAEA surveillance. Iran has long argued that its enrichment activities comply with international regulations and are not intended to develop nuclear weapons.
During the interview, Grossi also addressed the IAEA’s involvement in Ukraine amid the ongoing war with Russia, highlighting the key role of the agency in ensuring nuclear security.
“The IAEA is a very important responsibility for protecting nuclear facilities,” he said. “During the war between Russia and Ukraine, we have been actively working to prevent nuclear incidents that have radiological consequences.”
Shortly after returning to the White House in 2025, US President Donald Trump signed a presidential memorandum accusing Iran of “destabilizing”. The directive outlined plans to restore sanctions on the country and further strangle its economy.
The goal of the new directive is to bring Iran’s oil exports to “zero” by reviving the “maximum pressure” campaign. First, it was introduced in 2018 after Trump withdrawed the US from the 2015 nuclear deal known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
The campaign included rechallenges and strengthening sanctions lifted under the JCPOA in exchange for restrictions on Iran’s nuclear activity. The unilateral US withdrawal and subsequent sanctions have been widely criticized as unstable and counterproductive.
Despite Iran continuing nuclear nuclear restrictions repeatedly confirmed by the IAEA, the Trump administration’s “maximum pressure” strategy targets key sectors such as oil, banking and shipping, which will seriously affect Iran’s economy and exacerbate humanitarian challenges.
Sanctions disproportionately harmed civilians, driven high inflation and reduced access to essential medicines without generating important diplomatic advances. European signatories have struggled to counter US pressures and provide Iran’s tangible economic relief despite their insistence on preserving the transaction.
The Biden administration’s efforts to revive the JCPOA from 2021 onwards was initially seen as a step towards alleviating tensions. However, these attempts have largely failed to produce concrete results.
In response to increased pressure, Iran gradually rewinded its JCPOA commitment, increased uranium enrichment levels, and limited IAEA testing. This is justified as a legitimate response to erosion of trade.
On November 22, Iran announced its decision to activate advanced centrifuges and expand its uranium enrichment capabilities. The move directly opposed a resolution from the Governor’s Committee of the IAEA Committee, which criticized Iran’s nuclear activities despite Tehran’s offer of new concessions.