Iran ‘Not Far’ from Nuclear Bomb — IAEA Warns Any Deal Without Agency Is Just Paper
As Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi emphasized in a recent interview with Le Monde that any agreement between Iran and the United States on Tehran’s nuclear program must include the IAEA’s verification role to be credible. Speaking ahead of his visit to Tehran on April 16, Grossi noted that his agency has already opened informal channels of communication with both sides, even if not directly involved in the bilateral dialogue taking place in Oman.
Grossi stated, “They know well that we will have to give our opinion on any potential agreement because we will be the ones to verify it.” He made it clear that without the IAEA’s oversight, any deal would amount to “just a piece of paper.” While not officially part of the indirect talks between Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, Grossi underscored that the agency’s involvement is essential once concrete provisions are discussed.
During the interview, Grossi also expressed growing concern over Iran’s nuclear capabilities, suggesting the country is “not far” from being able to produce a nuclear weapon. His visit to Tehran is seen as an effort to reassert the IAEA’s role amid renewed diplomatic momentum and rising international scrutiny over Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
