abu dhabi
CNN
—
International Atomic Energy Agency head Rafael Grossi said diplomatic efforts to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons should be resumed, warning that Tehran had amassed enough supplies for “several nuclear weapons”.
Ahead of his planned visit to Tehran, Grossi told a subcommittee of the European Parliament in Brussels on Wednesday that Iran has not yet built a nuclear weapon and that the West has redoubled its efforts to stop it. said it should.
Uranium enriched above 90% can be weaponized. Grossi said Iran has 70 kilograms (154 pounds) of uranium enriched to 60% purity and he has 1,000 kilograms of uranium enriched to 20% purity.
Despite the “very bad form” of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the nuclear deal signed with Iran in 2015, the IAEA’s director-general said two He said he would go to Tehran in May.
Grossi described the JCPOA as an “empty shell” and said there was little diplomatic activity related to the revival of the 2015 nuclear deal.
“No one has declared it to be over, but the obligations have not been pursued and … all the restrictions that exist in the JCPOA have been violated many times,” Grossi said.
Last year, the IAEA asked Iran to explain why trace amounts of uranium were detected in three areas not supposed to be dedicated to nuclear activity. In retaliation, Iran removed 27 IAEA cameras.
On Tuesday, Grossi said the move has left his agency “blind” on several aspects, including the amount of materials, equipment and centrifuges that currently exist.
Grossi’s planned visit was confirmed by Mohammad Eslami, head of Iran’s nuclear energy agency, who said Tehran expected the IAEA chief’s visit, Fars news agency reported Wednesday.
Attempts to revive the deal have dwindled at a time of heightened tensions between the United States and Iran.
The European Union brokered indirect talks between Washington and Tehran aimed at resuming the nuclear deal, but talks stalled after the Iranian government demanded further guarantees.
The talks were then halted altogether as nationwide protests erupted in Iran following the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Jina Amini in September.
“The JCPOA has not been on the agenda for months,” said US State Department spokesman Ned Price.
The Biden administration has also introduced sanctions in Tehran following the government’s crackdown on protesters, including the execution of those accused of involvement.
