'There is still path for diplomacy. We must take it; otherwise, violence, destruction could reach unimaginable levels,' says IAEA chief
The ongoing conflict between the US, Iran, and Israel risks collapsing the global nuclear non-proliferation regime, warned the chief of the nuclear watchdog on Monday.
Delivering an introductory statement at the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) board of governors meeting, Director-General Rafael Mariano Grossi said: “We are meeting today in the midst of a serious conflict, involving three IAEA member states, during which Iran's nuclear sites are coming under attack. The weight of this conflict risks collapsing the global nuclear non-proliferation regime."
Repeating the call for a diplomatic solution to the conflict, he added: “There is still a path for diplomacy. We must take it; otherwise, violence and destruction could reach unimaginable levels, and the global non-proliferation regime that has underpinned international security for more than half a century could crumble and fall.”
To achieve peace through negotiations, returning to the negotiation table and the return of IAEA inspectors, guardians to Iranian nuclear sites, would be the first steps, Grossi noted.
“Any special measures by Iran to protect its nuclear materials and equipment then can be done in accordance with Iran's safeguards obligations. This is possible. IAEA inspectors are in Iran, and they are ready,” he added.
As to the effects of the US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, Grossi said the visible craters at the Fordo site indicate the use of ground-penetrating munitions, confirming the statement by Washington.
“Given the explosive payload utilized and the extreme vibration-sensitive nature of centrifuges, very significant damage is expected to have occurred,” he said.
Additional buildings hit at the Esfahan nuclear site confirm the use of cruise missiles by the US, Grossi remarked, noting that the fuel enrichment plant Natanz was also hit by the US with ground-penetrating munitions.
“Iran has informed the IAEA that there was no increase in off-site radiation levels at all three sites,” he added.
