The chief of the UN's nuclear watchdog has called on Iran to reach an understanding with the new Donald Trump administration over its nuclear program, warning of the risks of escalating tensions in the Middle East.
“There was an agreement that existed before President Trump decided that was not the path he wanted to follow,” IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi was quoted by Bloomberg as saying in Davos on Tuesday.
“Now we need to come to terms with how we deal with this, excluding, of course, a war.”
Grossi also reiterated concerns about Iran’s growing stockpile of highly-enriched uranium (HEU), which has surged since the US exited the 2015 nuclear deal.
He emphasized the importance of US involvement in resolving the issue. “We are engaging with Russia, with China, with the European countries, but it’s clear for everybody that the US is indispensable,” he said.
“What we need is to find an understanding. This is going to be our mission in the next few weeks.”
According to the IAEA, Iran’s production of HEU has increased dramatically. In December, the country boosted its production capacity sevenfold to about 34 kilograms (75 pounds) per month, following a diplomatic censure in November.
Iran’s stockpile of 20% enriched uranium also grew by 18 kilograms in the last quarter, further raising concerns.
European powers, including France, Germany, and the UK, are also increasing their scrutiny. They have directed the IAEA to prepare a special report on Iran’s nuclear activities during the first half of 2025.
The report is expected to be presented to the United Nations Security Council, which may consider reimposing UN sanctions before they expire in October.
“This is something that needs to be put back on track,” Grossi said, noting his intention to meet with Trump administration officials in the near future.
