IAEA Chief Warns Israeli Strike on Iran Could Accelerate Nuclear Weapon Development

The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, has cautioned that an Israeli strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities could push Tehran closer to pursuing nuclear weapons, even as indirect talks between the United States and Iran continue under Omani mediation.

In an interview with i24 News and The Jerusalem Post, Grossi shared that Iranian officials warned him about the possible repercussions of such an attack.

“A strike could have a unifying effect, strengthening Iran’s resolve — I’ll say it clearly — either to develop a nuclear weapon or to withdraw from the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons,” Grossi said, with the interview published Monday.

However, he expressed doubt that Israel would carry out such an operation.

“What is certain,” Grossi added, “is that Iran’s nuclear program is extensive and deeply embedded. Many of its facilities are highly fortified, and disabling them would require overwhelming and devastating force.”

His remarks come as Iran prepares to submit a counterproposal to a U.S. offer for a renewed nuclear deal.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei criticized the U.S. proposal on Monday, saying it lacked critical elements and did not address Iran’s longstanding demand for sanctions relief.

“We will soon present our own proposal to the other side through Oman once finalized,” Baghaei said, without providing further details.

He also condemned the IAEA’s latest report on Iran’s nuclear program as “unbalanced,” accusing it of relying on “forged documents” supplied by Israel. The agency had previously described Iran’s cooperation as “less than satisfactory,” particularly regarding clarification of past nuclear activities at undisclosed sites.

The U.S. and Iran are engaged in efforts to revive the 2015 nuclear agreement, which was abandoned by President Donald Trump in 2018.

Trump, speaking Monday at a White House event, described Iran as a “tough” and skilled negotiating partner.

“We’re doing a lot of work on Iran right now,” he said. “It’s tough … They’re great negotiators.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed that he spoke with Trump on Monday, with Trump assuring him that negotiations with Iran would continue later in the week.

Last week, Trump revealed he had advised Netanyahu against taking actions that might undermine the delicate talks.

“I told him this would be inappropriate right now because we’re very close to a solution,” Trump said.

With input from Al Jazeera