Grossi Affirms Iran’s Right to Enrich Uranium Under NPT

In an interview with the Financial Times, Grossi acknowledged that Tehran’s membership in the NPT grants it the right to pursue uranium enrichment, provided it complies with its safeguards obligations. His remarks come at a sensitive moment, as tensions escalate over recent military actions targeting Iranian nuclear sites.

According to Iranian authorities, three safeguarded nuclear facilities were struck during Israeli and US attacks. Tehran has criticized the IAEA chief for failing to explicitly condemn the strikes, arguing that his focus has instead been on restoring the agency’s inspection access.

Grossi said IAEA inspectors have been awaiting renewed access for several months to three major enrichment locations. While Iran has allowed visits to facilities that were not affected by the attacks, it has insisted that inspections of damaged sites must first be governed by a clearly defined legal and procedural framework addressing post-strike conditions.

Iranian officials maintain that cooperation with the IAEA must comply with legislation passed by parliament, which places oversight of nuclear engagement under the authority of the Supreme National Security Council.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei has reiterated that Iran remains committed to both the NPT and its safeguards agreement, stressing that engagement with the agency continues within the bounds of domestic law.

Grossi also suggested that Iran’s reserves of highly enriched uranium could still be located at the facilities impacted by the reported strikes.