As tensions escalate between Iran and Israel, the Embassy of Iran in India on Wednesday shared a statement underscoring comments made by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director-General Rafael Grossi, who clarified that the agency has no evidence of Iran pursuing nuclear weapons development.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the embassy quoted Grossi from an interview on CNN, stating:
“What we reported was that we did not have any proof of a systematic effort (by Iran) to move toward a nuclear weapon.”
This statement was originally aired by Iranian Press TV, featuring Grossi’s remarks that the IAEA’s inspections and reports have not revealed any structured activity by Iran aimed at building nuclear arms.
However, contrasting claims have emerged from Israeli sources. According to the Times of Israel, citing unnamed security officials and Army Radio, Israeli intelligence discovered that Iranian scientists have successfully conducted experiments related to nuclear weapon design, potentially positioning Iran just weeks away from being able to assemble a nuclear bomb. This alleged intelligence reportedly influenced Israel’s decision to initiate preemptive strikes on Iran last Friday.
The US State Department also weighed in on the issue. Speaking at a press briefing, Spokesperson Tammy Bruce reaffirmed President Donald Trump’s long-standing position against Iran’s nuclear ambitions:
“Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon… The White House remains firm on this matter, as President Trump has emphasized since taking office.”
These developments come amid six consecutive days of cross-border hostilities between Iran and Israel, with heavy airstrikes and missile exchanges reported. Israel’s Defense Minister confirmed that the IDF is preparing strikes on “very significant targets in Tehran”, while explosions from incoming Iranian missiles were heard over Tel Aviv early Wednesday.
As claims and counterclaims surface from both sides, the international community remains on edge, watching how these nuclear allegations—denied by the IAEA—will impact the already volatile Middle East conflict.