IAEA Warns: Israeli Strike May Backfire on Iran

Jerusalem : In a stark warning, Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has stated that any potential Israeli strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities might backfire, further strengthening Tehran’s resolve to develop nuclear weapons. His remarks were published in an interview with the Jerusalem Post, in which he elaborated on the depth and sophistication of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. Grossi emphasized that Iran’s nuclear program is not only highly developed but also deeply embedded underground, making it exceptionally difficult to destroy.

Grossi revealed that Iran directly communicated to him that if Israel were to attack its nuclear sites, it could have a “unifying effect” on the country, solidifying its decision to build a nuclear bomb. This comment comes at a time of heightened tensions in the region, with increasing speculation about Israeli military intentions regarding Iran’s nuclear activities. The IAEA chief warned that such actions could provoke the very outcome Israel aims to prevent — a nuclear-armed Iran.

He described Iran’s nuclear facilities as “broad and deep,” suggesting that they are protected by extensive infrastructure designed to withstand attacks. “When I say deep, I mean many of these facilities are buried very securely underground. To disrupt them would require immense and destructive force,” Grossi stated. These remarks highlight not only the technical challenges of carrying out a successful military strike but also the geopolitical risks involved.

Grossi’s comments are being interpreted as a call for caution amid growing concerns from Israel and its Western allies over Iran’s uranium enrichment levels. Iran has reportedly enriched uranium to 60%, just below the threshold for weapons-grade material, and maintains that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes. However, international observers remain skeptical given the scale and secrecy of its operations.

Israel has long maintained that it will not allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons and has previously conducted covert operations to slow down its progress. Yet Grossi’s warning suggests that a direct strike might achieve the opposite effect, potentially uniting Iranian political factions and accelerating nuclear weapons development as a form of retaliation.

As tensions escalate, the global community watches closely, weighing diplomatic efforts against the rising possibility of conflict in one of the world’s most volatile regions.