UN Nuclear Chief Demands Rigorous Verification in Any US-Iran War-Ending Deal
The head of the United Nations nuclear watchdog has issued a stark warning that any potential agreement between the United States and Iran to end their ongoing war in the Middle East must include extremely detailed and stringent verification measures to monitor Iran's nuclear activities. International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Grossi emphasised this critical point during a press briefing in Seoul on Wednesday, stating that without such provisions, any deal would be merely an illusion.
Verification as a Non-Negotiable Condition
Grossi told reporters that "very detailed verification mechanisms" are essential for any agreement involving nuclear technology. He stressed that Iran's ambitious and wide-ranging nuclear program necessitates the continuous presence of IAEA inspectors to ensure compliance. "Otherwise, you will not have an agreement. You will have an illusion of an agreement," Grossi asserted, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
This demand comes amid renewed diplomatic efforts, with U.S. President Donald Trump announcing on Tuesday that a second round of talks with Iran could occur within the next two days. The Trump administration has consistently stated that preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon is a primary objective in the war. However, Iran has repeatedly denied seeking nuclear weapons, though it has rejected limitations on its nuclear program.
Recent Negotiations and Sticking Points
An initial round of talks held last weekend in Pakistan failed to yield an agreement, with the White House identifying Iran's nuclear ambitions as a central obstacle. In contrast, an anonymous Iranian diplomatic official, speaking due to the sensitivity of the closed-door discussions, denied that negotiations had collapsed over nuclear issues.
The IAEA's concerns are backed by a confidential report circulated to member states in February, which revealed that Iran has not permitted IAEA access to nuclear facilities damaged by Israeli and U.S. airstrikes during a 12-day conflict in June. This lack of access has severely hampered the agency's ability to verify key aspects of Iran's nuclear activities.
Critical Nuclear Stockpile and Weaponization Risks
According to the IAEA, Iran currently possesses a stockpile of 440.9 kilograms (972 pounds) of uranium enriched up to 60% purity. This level is just a short technical step away from weapons-grade enrichment of 90%. Grossi has previously warned that this stockpile could enable Iran to construct as many as ten nuclear bombs if it decides to weaponize its program.
The IAEA's guidelines stipulate that such highly enriched nuclear material should typically be verified on a monthly basis. However, the agency has been unable to confirm whether Iran has suspended all enrichment-related activities or to accurately assess the size of its uranium stockpile at the affected facilities.
While Iran maintains that its nuclear program is entirely peaceful, the IAEA and Western nations contend that Tehran had an organized nuclear weapons program until 2003. This historical context, combined with the current verification challenges, underscores the urgency of Grossi's call for robust inspection protocols in any future agreement to end the war and ensure regional stability.
