US state secretary condemns Iranian threats to arrest and execute IAEA Chief Grossi

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has condemned Iranian media publications calling for the arrest and execution of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi.

“Calls in Iran for the arrest and execution of IAEA Director General Grossi are unacceptable and should be condemned,” Rubio wrote on social network X, per Caliber.Az.

"We support the lAEA's critical verification and monitoring efforts in Iran and commend the Director General and the lAEA for their dedication and professionalism. We call on Iran to provide for the safety and security of IAEA personnel,” the US state secretary added.

Iran’s Kayhan newspaper, described as a mouthpiece of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, reportedly published a statement accusing Grossi of spying for Israel and suggested that if he enters Iran, he should be prosecuted and executed for his alleged role in attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities and the deaths of Iranian citizens.

The threats against Grossi stem from Iran’s accusations that he facilitated Israeli and U.S. military strikes on its nuclear facilities (Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan). Iranian officials, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and former diplomat Mohammad Javad Zarif, have criticised Grossi for issuing reports that allegedly provided a pretext for these attacks, accusing him of political bias and failing to condemn the strikes. Iran’s parliament has voted to suspend cooperation with the IAEA, banning Grossi from inspecting nuclear sites and removing surveillance cameras, citing security concerns over leaked facility data.

By Khagan Isayev