IAEA chief Rafael Grossi said on Monday (June 9) the organisation is trying to 'unknot' the issue of Iran's large scale uranium enrichment in a diplomatic way.

Grossi said he is aware of concerns by Israel and other states, and reiterated that the IAEA aims to help resolve such a dispute diplomatically.

The IAEA's 35-nation Board of Governors is holding a quarterly meeting this week.

The United States, Britain, France and Germany plan to propose a resolution for the board to adopt that would declare Iran in breach of its non-proliferation obligations over failings outlined in a report on Iran's acquisition of confidential U.N. nuclear watchdog documents.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

VIENNA, AUSTRIA (JUNE 09,2025) (IAEA - Access all)

1. ARRIVAL OF IAEA CHIEF RAFAEL GROSSI TO PRESS CONFERENCE

2. (SOUNDBITE) (English) IAEA CHIEF RAFAEL GROSSI, SAYING:

"And I say it because it is true that enriching uranium per se is not a forbidden activity, which is something my Iranian counterparts always tell me, and they tell the world. So that is true. At the same time, when you accumulate and continue to accumulate, and you are the only country in the world that is doing something like this at the level which is very very close to the level that you need to have a nuclear explosive device - then we cannot ignore it. It is not per se a forbidden activity but we cannot ignore and this is why we are looking at it."

3. WHITE FLASH

4. (SOUNDBITE) (English) IAEA CHIEF RAFAEL GROSSI, SAYING:

"Of course I am aware of the concerns in Israel, this is not new. Regarding the statements from the government or references to possible military action. Of course it is a matter for the Israeli government. What we are trying to do is to address this issue, as it befits an international organisation, from a different perspective. We are trying get to a solution of this in a diplomatic way, trying to clarify and to solve this and unknot this tie without the use of violence or force, which we believe if it's done correctly, which is of course very important, if it is done correctly and thoroughly, with a very strong verification and monitoring chapter from us, would give the necessary assurance for Israel and for the world that there is nothing to be feared."

5. WHITE FLASH

6. GROSSI LEAVING PRESS CONFERENCE