Iran (IMNA) - Araghchi’s remarks on Thursday followed Grossi’s interview with Swiss daily Le Temps, in which he said that despite US strikes in June targeting 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 caused “considerable damage” to Iran’s facilities in Isfahan, Natanz, and Fordow, Iran’s enrichment capabilities could be restored and its scientific know-how preserved. He noted that Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium—approximately 400 kilograms enriched to 60%—remains below weapons-grade levels and consistent with peaceful use.
“Even so, we have no evidence whatsoever that Tehran intends to build a nuclear weapon,” Grossi added, emphasizing that most of the material is securely stored at monitored sites.
He reaffirmed that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) aims to resume full inspections in Iran while current satellite monitoring continues to show stability in the country’s nuclear activities.
The statements coincide with Iran’s announcement that UN Security Council Resolution 2231, which endorsed the 2015 nuclear deal and imposed restrictions on Tehran, has officially expired. The Foreign Ministry stated that the nuclear file should therefore be removed from the Security Council agenda.
These developments follow large-scale US and Israeli strikes in June on Iranian nuclear and military sites—the first coordinated attacks of this kind. 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 developing nuclear weapons, though no evidence was presented. Tehran has consistently maintained that its nuclear program is strictly for peaceful purposes.
Grossi appeared to counter Trump’s assertion, saying IAEA inspections show no indication 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 praised Tehran for remaining engaged 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, showing a willingness to preserve diplomacy even under intense pressure.”
Grossi added that Iran’s current limits on inspector access reflect 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.”
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