IAEA Chief Grossi: No Evidence of Iranian Nuclear Weapons Program Despite Reduced Cooperation

IAEA Finds No Evidence of Nuclear Weapons Development

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi stated on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at UN Headquarters in New York, that the agency has found no evidence indicating Iran is developing nuclear weapons. Grossi unequivocally declared, 'No, they are not, and they were not. I want to be very clear on this,' pushing back against what he described as persistent misquotations of the agency's position. He further added that the IAEA sees 'nothing suggesting substantive work on a nuclear weapon.'

These statements come amidst ongoing international scrutiny of Iran's nuclear activities and acknowledged challenges in cooperation between Tehran and the global nuclear watchdog. Grossi highlighted that Iranian officials have consistently reaffirmed their commitment to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), a stance he described as 'a very wise step.'

Challenges in Cooperation and Monitoring

Despite the clear statement on weapons development, Grossi acknowledged a pattern of reduced cooperation from Iran following critical resolutions from international bodies. He expressed regret over this dynamic, noting that IAEA inspections were temporarily withdrawn from Iran for safety reasons during a 12-day war between Iran and Israel in June.

While inspectors have faced limited access to Iranian nuclear sites, satellite imagery has not indicated an acceleration of uranium enrichment beyond levels recorded before the June conflict. However, Grossi did report 'renewed movement' at some of Iran's nuclear sites and around storage areas for enriched uranium. A significant point of concern for the IAEA is Iran's stockpile of approximately 400 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 percent purity. Grossi warned that this quantity could be sufficient to produce material for roughly ten nuclear bombs if further enriched, though he reiterated there is no evidence Iran intends to build one.

An agreement brokered in Cairo in September aimed to pave the way for resuming cooperation and inspections, but little progress has been made in its implementation.

Iran's Stance and Regional Context

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei urged Grossi to avoid 'unfounded remarks' and maintained that Iran's nuclear program is entirely peaceful. In late June, Iran's Constitutional Council approved a parliamentary bill to suspend cooperation with the IAEA, citing violations of sovereignty and attacks on its nuclear facilities.

The 12-day war in June saw US and Israeli military strikes cause 'very considerable' damage to key Iranian nuclear sites, including Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan, which Grossi confirmed had set back Iran's nuclear program. Furthermore, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the international nuclear agreement, officially concluded on October 18, 2025, with Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announcing the termination of all its provisions.