IAEA chief offers to mediate between Israel, Iran over nuclear strikes

Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi has expressed readiness to engage with both Israel and Iran amid escalating tensions following recent strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.

Grossi noted that that he is ready to travel to Iran following Israeli strikes on key nuclear and military sites, in an effort to assess the situation and reinforce nuclear safety and non-proliferation efforts, Caliber.Az reports via Turkish media.

“I wish to inform the Board that 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,” Grossi said in a statement.

The IAEA has remained in contact with Iranian authorities since the attacks. Grossi confirmed that Iran has acknowledged damage to one major nuclear site: “At present, the competent Iranian authorities have confirmed that the Natanz enrichment site has been impacted and that there are no elevated radiation levels,” he noted. “They have also reported that at present the Esfahan and Fordow sites have not been impacted.”

Grossi called the recent developments “deeply concerning” and reiterated the agency’s longstanding position that nuclear facilities must never be targeted in armed conflict.

“Such attacks have serious implications for nuclear safety, security and safeguards, as well as regional and international peace and security,” he warned. 

Despite the rising military tensions, Grossi urged all parties to prioritise diplomatic engagement.

“Despite the current military actions and heightened tensions, it is clear that the only sustainable path forward – for Iran, for Israel, the entire region, and the international community – is one grounded in dialogue and diplomacy to ensure peace, stability, and cooperation,” he said.

On June 13, the military operation launched by Israel against key components of Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure has escalated to a much harsher level. According to Israeli statements, the objective remains the complete elimination of the Islamic Republic’s capability to develop nuclear weapons.

The Israeli Air Force has struck more than a hundred targets, deploying approximately 200 combat aircraft and over 330 precision-guided munitions, according to official figures. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) emphasises that this is a large-scale, coordinated operation targeting both military facilities and the nuclear programme infrastructure across the entire territory of Iran.

By Naila Huseynova