Nuclear deal between Iran, US illusory if IAEA not involved, Director Grossi says - Telegraph

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director-General, Rafael Grossi, has issued a stark warning regarding the potential for a nuclear deal between the United States and Iran, emphasizing that any such agreement would be meaningless without rigorous international verification. Speaking to The Telegraph, Grossi articulated that without the IAEA's involvement, any deal would amount to little more than an 'illusion' or an unproven promise. His remarks underscore the critical role of the agency in ensuring transparency and compliance in nuclear matters, a role that is particularly vital given the historical sensitivities surrounding Iran's nuclear program.

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Without verification, any agreement is no agreement. It’s an illusion of an agreement, or it’s a promise, which you don’t know whether it will be complied with or not.

Grossi's statement highlights the IAEA's unique position as the sole body capable of providing impartial oversight and certification of nuclear activities. He expressed doubt that any agreement could be effectively managed without this crucial verification layer, suggesting that while parties are free to make their own arrangements, the IAEA's expertise is indispensable for confirming reality. The Director-General also touched upon the complex and potentially destabilizing implications of a US military intervention in Iran, noting the 'inherent challenges' such an operation would entail, even for a power like the United States. This perspective from the head of the global nuclear watchdog adds a layer of technical and diplomatic caution to discussions about geopolitical interventions.

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We know Iran very, very well, all the facilities. We are the only ones who could guarantee absolute impartiality in the work.

Beyond the immediate US-Iran context, Grossi voiced profound concern over a burgeoning global nuclear arms race, which he described as his 'worst fear.' He pointed to a disturbing trend where several nations, including Poland, South Korea, Japan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Sweden, are reportedly contemplating the acquisition of nuclear weapons. Grossi attributed this potential 'friendly proliferation' to the current global atmosphere of fragmentation, conflict, and polarization, which he believes is making countries feel increasingly insecure. His plea for adherence to Article 6 of the Non-Proliferation Treaty, which calls for nuclear disarmament, serves as a critical reminder of the international community's shared responsibility to prevent a world with a significantly larger number of nuclear-armed states, a scenario he deems 'extremely dangerous.' The Jerusalem Post, in reporting this, brings a crucial international security perspective to its readership, emphasizing the global ramifications of nuclear proliferation.

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I don’t doubt for a second that the US has the military capabilities to do this, but I’m just saying this is a very delicate thing to handle, to manipulate, to move around.