IAEA chief says war cannot eliminate Iran nuclear program

Monday 23 March 2026 - 10:50

By: Dakir Madiha

IAEA chief says war cannot eliminate Iran nuclear program

The head of the United Nations nuclear watchdog has warned that military action cannot fully dismantle Iran’s nuclear program, stressing that only diplomacy can address the long-term risks.

Rafael Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, told CBS News that no conventional war could erase Iran’s nuclear capabilities. He said only a catastrophic nuclear conflict could achieve that outcome, a scenario he described as unacceptable.

Grossi made the remarks in an interview aired on Face the Nation as the US and Israeli military campaign against Iran entered its fourth week. He emphasized that even sustained attacks would not eliminate Iran’s nuclear ambitions or technical capacity.

His comments came as Iran’s Natanz enrichment facility was struck again on Saturday, marking the fourth attack on nuclear-related sites since the offensive began on February 28. The IAEA said it had been informed of the strike and confirmed that no increase in off-site radiation levels had been detected. Grossi renewed calls for restraint to avoid the risk of a nuclear accident.

Natanz, located about 220 kilometers southeast of Tehran, has been repeatedly targeted, including during earlier strikes in 2025. Iranian authorities said no radioactive material had been released following the latest attack.

Grossi acknowledged that previous US strikes had significantly delayed Iran’s program, particularly those targeting Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan. However, he said the country retains the expertise and industrial capacity needed to restart enrichment activities. He added that Iran’s stockpile of uranium enriched to 60 percent remains a concern, as it is close to weapons-grade levels.

Despite the escalation, Grossi said diplomatic channels remain open. He confirmed ongoing contacts with both Washington and Tehran and expressed hope that IAEA inspectors could return to Iranian facilities when conditions allow. Prior to the conflict, indirect talks between the United States and Iran were underway through mediation by Oman, including discussions on reducing Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile.

At the same time, Israeli officials signaled further escalation. Defense Minister Israel Katz said the intensity of US and Israeli strikes would increase in the coming days.