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Iran warns IAEA chief: Failed threats will bring nothing but another defeat

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 23 October 2025 3:55 PM

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has warned the head of the UN nuclear agency, Rafael Grossi, against making "failed threats" toward Tehran, saying such remarks would bring "nothing but another defeat."

Araghchi's comments on Thursday came after Grossi told Swiss daily Le Temps that despite US strikes in June that hit Iran's key nuclear facilities, the country's technical expertise remained intact.

"I don't know whether he made that statement out of concern or as a threat," Araghchi said, according to Iranian media. "But those who make such threats must realize that repeating a failed experience will yield nothing but another defeat for them."

Grossi told Le Temps that while the attacks had caused "considerable damage" to Iran's facilities in Isfahan, Natanz and Fordow, the country's enrichment capabilities could be restored and its scientific know-how preserved.

He said Iran's stockpile of enriched uranium — about 400 kilograms enriched to 60% — remained below weapons-grade and within levels consistent with peaceful use.

"Even so, we have no evidence whatsoever that Tehran intends to build a nuclear weapon," he said, adding that most of the material remained securely stored at monitored sites.

Grossi reiterated that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) seeks to resume full inspections in Iran but said current satellite monitoring continues to show stability in the country's nuclear activities.

The exchange came as Iran's Foreign Ministry announced the expiration of UN Security Council Resolution 2231, which endorsed the 2015 nuclear deal and imposed restrictions that Tehran says no longer apply.

The developments follow large-scale US and Israeli strikes in June targeting Iranian nuclear and military sites — the first such coordinated attacks. Iran responded with missile and drone strikes on Israeli-occupied territories and a US base in Qatar.

US President Donald Trump justified the attacks by claiming Iran was close to producing nuclear weapons, though he provided no evidence. Tehran has consistently said its nuclear program is aimed solely at peaceful purposes.

Grossi appeared to counter Trump's assertion, saying IAEA inspections showed no sign of weapons-related activity.

"Countries that independently follow Iran's programme have reached the same conclusion as we have — Iran's activities remain stable, traceable and not directed toward weaponization," he said.

He also commended Tehran for maintaining engagement with the international community after the 12-day war.

"After the twelve-day war, Iran could have chosen isolation — cut off dialogue, withdrawn from the Non-Proliferation Treaty and taken a more confrontational path. But it did not," Grossi said. "Instead, Tehran opted to remain engaged. It shows a willingness to preserve diplomacy even under intense pressure."

Grossi added that Iran's current limits on inspector access stem from legitimate security concerns. "Given the recent attacks on its sovereign sites, that caution is understandable," he said.

"I remain in regular contact with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and our focus is on maintaining diplomatic momentum. If diplomacy continues, there is no reason for force to return to the equation."