In an interview with US News, Grossi highlighted Iran’s notably different posture in the current negotiations, stating, “For the first time in several years, Iran has entered the talks seriously, transparently, and with a focus on core issues.” However, he was quick to add, “There’s still no concrete agreement on the horizon.”
Reflecting on the current diplomatic climate, Grossi described this moment as “the best opportunity available,” though he cautioned, “No, we’re not at the light at the end of the tunnel yet.” His remarks come against the backdrop of Iran’s consistent commitment during the original negotiations that led to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Iran was widely seen as the most diligent party in both negotiating and fulfilling the agreement. Yet, the US’s unilateral and unlawful withdrawal from the JCPOA in 2018, along with European inaction in upholding their commitments, ultimately led to the deal’s unraveling.
Grossi acknowledged concerns over Iran’s expanding nuclear program and its stockpile of highly enriched uranium. Still, he stressed that this issue is “resolvable” and even “transferable abroad”—a matter currently under discussion as part of ongoing technical talks with Iran.
Despite Iran being affirmed in over 15 official reports as having fully adhered to its nuclear commitments, it continues to face political demands and external pressures that go beyond the formal scope of the agreements. Grossi remarked, “Over time, the situation has deteriorated because the centrifuges are still spinning and the stockpiles are increasing.”
He warned that if this situation continues unchecked, it could lead to crises such as a military conflict, which he stressed must be prevented at all costs.
In recent years, the —which is technically a legal and scientific body—has increasingly taken on a political role. It has at times disregarded its own positive assessments of Iran’s compliance and has echoed demands that stretch beyond the official agreements.
These kinds of statements raise concerns, especially given that the agency’s core mission is to facilitate technical verification and to help de-escalate nuclear tensions—not to act as a geopolitical analyst or political warning system.
Grossi also revealed that he is currently engaged in consultations aimed at increasing transparency in Iran’s uranium enrichment program. He stated, “Achieving a verifiable agreement between Iran and the US is the most urgent priority right now.” Speaking from New York, where he is involved in these talks, Grossi clarified that “any potential agreement would be between Iran and the US—the would not be a signatory.”
He did, however, underline the necessity of oversight in any deal: “Without our involvement, the agreement would be extremely fragile.” Grossi acknowledged the constructive roles of individuals like Wietek and Araghchi in keeping the agency informed, but reiterated that only the ’s active presence can ensure verification of commitments. Referring to the US’s abandonment of the JCPOA, he noted, “Both President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have stated that returning to the JCPOA is no longer under consideration.” According to Grossi, any future deal, if it materializes, would be “less complex than the JCPOA.”
Crucially, Grossi emphasized, “Although I’ve said Iran has enough enriched uranium to build several atomic bombs, this does not mean Iran is seeking nuclear weapons.” He added, “No other country enriches uranium to Iran’s level without possessing a bomb”—a comment that clearly exposes the double standards and discriminatory norms embedded in international oversight mechanisms.
In closing, the Director General issued a warning: some countries are preparing to invoke the snapback mechanism if no agreement is reached by October or November, which would trigger broader sanctions against Iran. “There is still time,” he said, “but reaching an agreement before the deadline is of vital importance.”
NOURNEWS