Tensions Rise Over Netanyahu's Claims on Iran's Nuclear Site

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director-General Rafael Grossi has contradicted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's recent claims regarding an Israeli airstrike on a nuclear facility in Iran. On Wednesday, Grossi stated that the site allegedly hit by Israeli forces on October 26, which Netanyahu linked to Iran's nuclear program, was not considered a nuclear facility by the IAEA. This contradicts Netanyahu’s assertion that one of the targets, reportedly in Parchin, was connected to Iran’s nuclear activities.

While Netanyahu's office maintains that a nuclear site was struck, Grossi emphasized that Parchin has not been involved in nuclear activity for years, although it may have been in the past. Grossi further dismissed the claims that the building targeted by Israel had nuclear material present. Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) briefings on the October 26 attack also did not mention a nuclear site among the targets.

This dispute comes amid heightened tensions between Israel and Iran, with the October 26 strike reportedly in retaliation for an Iranian missile attack on Israel earlier in the month. Despite the conflicting reports, Grossi’s statement highlights the ongoing diplomatic divide over Iran’s nuclear capabilities and activities.

As discussions continue over Iran's nuclear future, Grossi has recommended not condemning Iran in an upcoming IAEA board meeting, following Iran’s offer to freeze uranium enrichment and allow more nuclear inspectors into the country. However, critics argue that these steps fall short of addressing Iran's nuclear violations, particularly regarding the enrichment of uranium to near-weaponized levels.