IAEA Chief Warns Iran’s Nuclear Advancements Could Trigger Catastrophic Conflict, Backs Trump-Led Diplomacy

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief

(Worthy News) – The head of the United Nations nuclear watchdog has issued a grave warning about Iran’s nuclear ambitions, stating that the Islamic Republic’s continued obstruction of inspections has left the global community unable to confirm whether its nuclear program is peaceful—despite clear signs that it may be anything but.

Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), revealed Monday that Tehran has denied access to key nuclear sites, erased evidence of illicit activity, and failed to provide credible explanations for traces of enriched uranium found at undeclared facilities in Varamin, Marivan, and Turquzabad.

“The agency found man-made uranium particles at these locations and has sought answers from Iran for years,” Grossi said. “Instead, Iran has sought to sanitize the sites, which has significantly impeded our ability to verify the peaceful nature of their program.”

The IAEA recently reported that Iran increased its stockpile of uranium enriched to 60% by nearly 35% in just three months. The stockpile now exceeds 400 kilograms—enough material, experts say, to potentially produce up to ten nuclear warheads. This places Iran just a technical step away from full nuclear breakout capability.

Amid these developments, Iran has rejected a nuclear proposal submitted by the Trump administration aimed at halting Tehran’s enrichment program. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei publicly dismissed the offer, while parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf claimed it lacked any promise of sanctions relief. On Monday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei confirmed that Tehran plans to present a counterproposal “via Oman” and insisted it would be “reasonable, logical, and balanced.”

According to multiple sources, President Donald Trump gave Iran until June 11 to accept a deal that includes full cessation of enrichment beyond civilian levels and unrestricted inspections. The White House has not officially confirmed the deadline, but officials familiar with the matter say the administration is taking a firm, time-sensitive approach.

Speaking with The Financial Times, Grossi acknowledged the risk of war if diplomacy fails. “Iran doesn’t have a nuclear weapon at this moment, but it has the material,” he said. “If there is a failure in negotiation, this will imply most probably military action.”

Grossi emphasized that Iran’s advanced centrifuges are located deep underground in fortified facilities, making them difficult to eliminate even in a military strike. “The most sensitive things are half a mile underground — I’ve been there many times,” he said. “You take a spiral tunnel down, down, down.”

Israel, which views a nuclear-armed Iran as an existential threat, has made clear it is prepared to strike. Following a major Iranian missile barrage against Israeli territory in October 2024—intercepted with no casualties—Israel retaliated by destroying Iran’s S-300 missile defense systems, leaving its nuclear infrastructure more vulnerable to potential F-35 strikes.

Grossi, however, expressed hope that the renewed U.S.-Iran talks under President Trump could yield a viable diplomatic solution. He praised Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, calling him “extremely serious” and credited the current administration for jumpstarting negotiations that had stalled under the previous Biden administration.

“The effect of a stabilized situation in Iran with regard to its nuclear program will be immediate and bring the Middle East one big step closer to peace and prosperity,” Grossi said.

In a report presented to the IAEA Board of Governors, Grossi detailed Iran’s systematic evasion of oversight, including the disconnection of surveillance cameras and the expulsion of inspectors since 2021. He confirmed that Tehran halted implementation of modified Code 3.1, violating its legal obligations under its Safeguards Agreement.

Grossi added that the uranium particles found at the undeclared sites, coupled with Iran’s pattern of concealment, confirm the existence of a structured, undeclared nuclear weapons program dating back to the early 2000s.

Despite these alarming trends, Grossi reiterated his support for diplomacy, anchored by strict IAEA verification, to resolve the standoff. “I will continue to support and encourage the U.S. and Iran to spare no effort and exercise wisdom and political courage to bring this to a successful conclusion,” he said.

As President Trump pushes for a tougher, enforceable nuclear deal, the world watches closely. The coming days may determine whether the Middle East edges closer to peace—or a catastrophic confrontation.

IRAN’S NUCLEAR AMBITIONS CONNECTED TO PROPHECY?

While the West often views Iran’s nuclear program through a secular lens, the spiritual aspect, which plays a central role in driving Iran’s nuclear ambitions, should not be overlooked. Iran is the only country where Twelver Shi’ism is the state religion.

Twelver Shīʿism, the largest branch of Shīʿa Islam, makes up about 85% of Shīʿas. “Twelver” signifies belief in twelve divinely appointed leaders, the Twelve Imams, with the last, Imam al-Mahdi, expected to return as the Mahdi. Twelvers see the Imams as Muhammad’s spiritual and political successors, guiding with justice and interpreting the inner meanings of the Qur’an and Islamic law. They are viewed as infallible (Ismah) and divinely chosen (nass).

The Twelvers believe that the Mahdi is expected to appear in times of extreme chaos, returning alongside Jesus as a messiah to bring peace and establish Islam globally.

Twelver beliefs, Iran’s nuclear ambitions, and threats toward Israel and the West have raised concerns. Critics suggest that Iran’s Supreme Leader might incite conflict to hasten the 12th Imam’s arrival. Former Iranian President Ahmadinejad has even called for the Imam’s return at the UN, asserting that the Islamic Revolution’s primary goal is to prepare for his reappearance.

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