Vienna: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director-General Rafael Grossi has sounded the alarm over Iran’s lack of cooperation with nuclear inspections, North Korea’s ongoing nuclear activities, and the fragile security situation at nuclear sites in Ukraine.
Speaking at the IAEA Board of Governors meeting, Grossi warned that Iran’s refusal to resolve longstanding safeguards issues is obstructing the agency’s ability to verify that its nuclear programme remains peaceful. He expressed concern over Iran’s accumulation of more than 400 kg of highly enriched uranium and its failure to explain uranium traces at undeclared sites—Varamin, Marivan, and Turquzabad.
“Iran has not provided credible answers regarding these sites, all of which were part of an undeclared nuclear programme,” Grossi stated. “Until transparency is restored, the IAEA cannot provide assurance that Iran’s programme is peaceful.”
He also urged Iran to resume full implementation of its Safeguards Agreement, calling the situation increasingly dangerous due to the potential for nuclear proliferation.
On North Korea, Grossi said satellite monitoring suggests ongoing operations at the Yongbyon nuclear complex and renewed reprocessing activities. “These are clear violations of UN Security Council resolutions,” he said, reaffirming IAEA’s readiness to verify any future denuclearization agreements.
In Japan, the IAEA continues to monitor the release of ALPS-treated water from Fukushima. Grossi confirmed tritium levels in discharged water remain within international safety limits, assuring the global community of transparent oversight.
Addressing Ukraine, Grossi expressed concern about the safety of the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant, where all six reactors are shut down amid ongoing conflict. He also reported serious damage to safety infrastructure at Chernobyl following a drone attack earlier this year.
“As the war drags on, Ukraine’s nuclear sites remain vulnerable. The IAEA stands firmly with Ukraine, providing technical support and monitoring,” Grossi said.
The IAEA chief emphasized that diplomacy, backed by rigorous verification, remains the only path to restoring global nuclear stability.
