IAEA chief Grossi says activity observed near Iran nuclear site, inspectors still lack tunnel access

International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Grossi said that activity has been observed near an Iranian nuclear site, but that IAEA inspectors have so far been unable to inspect inside the tunnel complex and do not have specific information about what may be taking place there. His remarks came after the IAEA Board of Governors referred Iran's nuclear file to the UN Security Council over what the Board described as non-compliance with nuclear requirements.

In response, Iran circulated a diplomatic note among countries this week warning Western states against turning the IAEA into an instrument of war. Iran's representative to the agency cited the June 2025 aggression, when the Israeli regime began attacks against Iran one day after the agency declared Iran in violation of its nuclear obligations.

In the 11-page document, Iran's representative wrote that the aggression of the Israeli regime and America against Iran only a few hours after the resolution's approval is clear evidence of the hidden goals of its supporters. The note called on diplomats to condemn the attacks, which Iran described as illegal.

The exchange marks a further escalation in tensions between Iran and the IAEA's Western member states, with Tehran questioning the agency's impartiality and warning that its actions could be used to justify military action. The IAEA has not commented on the specifics of Iran's note.

According to Mehr News, the IAEA chief's statement and Iran's diplomatic note reflect the continuing dispute over access to Iran's nuclear facilities and the political fallout from the Board of Governors' referral.