Iran nuclear material concerns are growing after explosive claims about missing enriched uranium and threats to IAEA officials. On Saturday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio strongly condemned Iran over alarming actions targeting the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Rubio responded to reports that Iranian lawmakers called for the arrest and execution of IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi. Additionally, Iranian parliament vice speaker Hamid Reza Haji Babaei banned Grossi and removed surveillance equipment from nuclear sites.
Iran accused Israel of acquiring sensitive data from those facilities. In response, Rubio posted on X, “We support the IAEA’s critical efforts in Iran. We commend the Director General for his professionalism and commitment.”
He urged Iran to ensure the safety and security of all IAEA personnel operating in the region. Tensions increased further after the IAEA confirmed damage to key nuclear sites following U.S. airstrikes.
Grossi, in a televised interview, confirmed that the Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan facilities were impacted. He specifically noted “very serious damage” at Natanz, where uranium enrichment was ongoing. Iran Threatens IAEA Director and Removes Nuclear Site Surveillance, Escalating Global Alarm Over Missing Enriched Uranium
Iran nuclear material concerns were heightened when Grossi stated, “We are the IAEA, so we are not speculating. We need facts.” He noted that Iranian authorities claimed the move was a protective measure. “Iran must report and account for every gram of nuclear material.”
So far, Iran has not clarified the material’s location. Grossi insisted that the agency will continue its verification efforts despite growing risks. The U.S. State Department issued a brief statement, saying, “The Secretary’s tweet speaks for itself. We have nothing further at this time.”
These tensions follow the U.S. withdrawal from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal in 2018 under President Donald Trump. That exit triggered a series of Iranian steps to reduce international oversight of its nuclear facilities. Iran nuclear material concerns now dominate global security conversations as world powers push for answers and renewed inspections.
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