International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi has conveyed a warning from Iran that any potential Israeli strike on its nuclear facilities could harden Tehran’s resolve to pursue nuclear weapons or even prompt its withdrawal from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
In an interview with the Jerusalem Post and i24NEWS TV, Grossi stated:
“A strike could potentially have an amalgamating effect, solidifying Iran’s determination – I will say it plainly – to pursue a nuclear weapon or withdraw from the NPT.”
Grossi expressed skepticism that Israel would carry out such an attack, noting the depth and breadth of Iran’s nuclear program:
“Disrupting them would require overwhelming and devastating force.”
Ongoing Nuclear Diplomacy
Amid this tense backdrop, Iran and the U.S. are involved in Oman-mediated nuclear talks. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei confirmed that Tehran plans to present a counter-proposal to the U.S. offer, which Iran has described as “unacceptable”.
Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump said he had cautioned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against actions that might derail the negotiations:
“I told him this would be inappropriate to do right now because we’re very close to a solution.”
Trump and Netanyahu are expected to speak over the phone on Monday, as per reports.