- IAEA Chief Rafael Grossi will visit Iran’s Fordo and Natanz nuclear sites to address concerns over Tehran’s advancing uranium enrichment, now at 60%.
- Iran maintains its nuclear program is peaceful despite allegations of undeclared uranium storage and unexplained traces at other sites near Tehran.
- Grossi’s visit may influence European IAEA members’ decision on a possible resolution against Iran as tensions rise with Donald Trump’s expected return to U.S. leadership.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi will visit Iran’s Fordo and Natanz nuclear facilities on Friday to address concerns over Iran’s nuclear ambitions. The visit follows increasing international unease about the country’s advancing nuclear program.
Since the U.S. withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal under the Trump administration, Iran has escalated its uranium enrichment. Tehran now enriches uranium up to 60%, far beyond the 3.67% limit set by the original agreement. These higher enrichment levels have alarmed global experts, who see Iran inching closer to weapons-grade material.
Fordo and Natanz are key components of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. Natanz is the primary enrichment facility, while Fordo houses advanced centrifuges that enhance Tehran’s nuclear capabilities. These sites are at the centre of global concerns about nuclear proliferation.
Samuel Hickey, a researcher with the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation in Washington, emphasised the need for increased monitoring. He highlighted that consistent oversight can ensure Iran’s nuclear program remains focused on civilian use rather than shifting toward weaponisation.
Iran continues to assert the peaceful nature of its nuclear activities. Massoud Pezeshkian, head of the Organisation of Iranian Atomic Energy (OIAE), reaffirmed the government’s commitment to cooperating with the IAEA. Meanwhile, allegations of undeclared uranium storage and unexplained uranium traces at two sites near Tehran have further raised suspicions and tensions.
Iran is willing to engage in dialogue but stands firm against external pressure. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasised this stance by posting on social media X, “We are ready to negotiate, but only based on our national interests. ” His statement reinforces Tehran’s insistence on maintaining control over its negotiations with Western powers.
Observers see Grossi’s visit as a crucial diplomatic effort to de-escalate tensions between Iran and the West. Many fear that former U.S. President Donald Trump’s expected return to the White House in January could reignite conflict. Trump’s decision to withdraw from the nuclear deal in 2018 triggered a chain of events that led to Iran’s current enrichment activities, and his potential return could lead to renewed hostilities.
Grossi’s visit may also influence a critical decision by European IAEA Board of Governors members. These members are considering a resolution against Iran in the coming weeks, and the inspection outcome will likely shape their next steps.
As Grossi prepares to visit Fordo and Natanz, the stakes continue rising for Iran and the international community. The inspection’s results could significantly impact the future of Iran’s nuclear program and the broader geopolitical landscape in the region.