By: Reuters

The head of the United Nations' nuclear watchdog has stated that Iran must "seriously improve" its cooperation with international inspectors to avoid escalating tensions with the West. According to the Financial Times, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi reported that while the agency has conducted approximately a dozen inspections in Iran since hostilities with Israel in June, it has been denied access to key nuclear facilities such as Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.

Grossi noted that movement had been detected near Iran's enriched uranium stockpile in October but clarified that this did "not imply that there is activity on enrichment." This statement drew a response from Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei, who asserted that Grossi was "fully aware of the peaceful nature" of Iran's nuclear programme and should refrain from expressing "unfounded opinions."

Iranian officials have previously criticized the IAEA, suggesting its reports provided a justification for Israel's bombing campaign, which began shortly after the IAEA's board voted to declare Iran in violation of its obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

Despite acknowledging the "bumpy" nature of the relationship, Grossi emphasized that Iran must still comply with its obligations. He argued that a country cannot remain within the non-proliferation treaty while failing to meet its requirements, especially during times of conflict. Grossi warned that without proper cooperation, he would be forced to report that the agency has "lost all visibility" of Iran's nuclear material.