By Francois Murphy
VIENNA () – The head of the U.N. nuclear monitoring agency, Rafael Grossi, stated on Friday that he plans to visit Iran to evaluate the circumstances following extensive military operations conducted by Israel. These attacks targeted the large nuclear facility located in Natanz.
At a meeting with the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Board of Governors, Grossi stated that the second major enrichment site in Iran, known as Fordow, remained untouched along with another nuclear facility located in Esfahan, according to information provided by Iranian officials.
He stated that there are no increased radiation levels at Natanz.
“I urge all sides to show utmost restraint to prevent additional tensions from rising. I emphasize again that any military move endangering the safety and security of nuclear sites could have severe repercussions for the people of Iran, the surrounding area, and farther regions,” Grossi stated in his message.
“I have indicated to the respective authorities my readiness to travel at the earliest to assess the situation and ensure safety, security and non-proliferation in Iran.”
He didn’t disclose the scale of the damage at Natanz or which sections were targeted. This facility encompasses an extensive underground uranium enrichment complex along with a smaller, above-ground pilot enrichment installation.
Iran is enriching uranium to up to 60% purity, nearing the approximately 90% level required for weapons-grade material, at the pilot facility. However, it is manufacturing lesser amounts of this material compared to what is produced at Fordow, an underground site embedded within a mountain that military analysts claim would be challenging for Israel to obliterate via airstrikes.
“Notwithstanding the ongoing military operations and increased strain, it is evident that the sole enduring way forward — for Iran, Israel, the whole region, and the global community — involves engaging in conversations and diplomatic efforts aimed at securing peace, stability, and collaboration,” stated Grossi.
(Reported by François Murphy Edited by Dave Graham)
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