Any Agreement Ending The War Must Include Inspections Of Iran's Nuclear Program - IAEA Chief
Seoul, April 16, AIMA Media International Update News : Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has suggested that any agreement reached between the United States and Iran to end the conflict must include detailed measures regarding the inspection of Iran's nuclear activities. He stated that there is a need to comprehensively inspect Iran's nuclear program. He emphasized that Iran's ambitious and extensive nuclear program must be subjected to inspections by IAEA inspectors. Rafael Grossi remarked that if the IAEA is not granted access for inspections, then no genuine agreement with Iran has truly been reached; only the illusion of an agreement would remain. He made these comments on Wednesday during a press conference held in Seoul, South Korea.
★ Increased Nuclear Activity in North Korea as Well
IAEA Chief Rafael Grossi also reported that the pace of operations at nuclear facilities in North Korea has significantly accelerated. It appears that North Korea is currently focusing on expansion work at its primary nuclear complex in Yongbyon. Reports suggest that, since the breakdown of talks with the United States in 2019, North Korea has been working on the construction of additional uranium enrichment facilities. In September 2025, South Korea's Minister of Unification, Chung Dong-young, made a significant statement. He revealed that North Korea had already constructed four uranium enrichment facilities, all of which were operating continuously.
★ Iran Possesses 440.9 Kilograms of Uranium
According to the IAEA, Iran currently holds approximately 440.9 kilograms of enriched uranium. This material is enriched to a purity level of nearly 60 percent. Nuclear bombs can be manufactured using enriched uranium with a purity level of 90 percent. IAEA Chief Rafael Grossi previously stated that the 440.9 kilograms of enriched uranium currently in Iran's possession could be used to manufacture approximately 10 nuclear bombs. He had also previously noted that IAEA experts would need to inspect Iran's enriched uranium stockpiles on a monthly basis.
★ We Are Ready to Take Iran's Uranium : Russia
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reiterated that Russia is prepared to take possession of Iran's enriched uranium, provided that Iran agrees to the arrangement. He stated that Russia would offer its assistance to help resolve the issues surrounding Iran's uranium program. He noted that this assistance could take various forms, adding that—if desired—Russia could convert Iran's uranium into fuel-grade material. Alternatively, Lavrov stated that Russia is also ready to transport Iran's uranium to Russia for storage. He emphasized that any assistance provided would be strictly limited to measures that are acceptable to Iran. He stated that Iran, like other nations, possesses the right to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes. Lavrov asserted that no one should interfere with this right. He arrived in China for a two-day visit against the backdrop of escalating military tensions in West Asia.
★ Russia Transported Uranium in 2015
In 2015, China, Russia, the United States, Britain, France, Germany, and the European Union reached a nuclear agreement with Iran. At that time, all these nations agreed to lift the international sanctions imposed on Iran. In exchange, they imposed a condition requiring Iran to halt its nuclear weapons program and its uranium enrichment process. As part of this agreement, Russia subsequently transported a large quantity of enriched uranium stockpiles out of Iran.
★ Key Highlights :
☛ IAEA Inspections Are Mandatory : Grossi emphasized that comprehensive verification and inspections regarding Iran's nuclear program are essential.
**IAEA's Stance on the Agreement:** He remarked that if opportunities for inspection are denied, the agreement effectively cannot be concluded.
☛ Iran's Nuclear Program :
Although Iran maintains that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, the IAEA noted that the country is enriching uranium to levels as high as 60%—a figure close to the 90% threshold required for weapons-grade material.
☛ Situation in North Korea :
Grossi also expressed concern regarding increased nuclear activity in North Korea, particularly the expansion work underway at the Yongbyon complex. US-Iran Talks: These remarks have assumed significance at a time when negotiations aimed at ending the conflict between the United States and Iran are underway.
M Venkata T Reddy, News Editor and Investigative Journalist
