The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has warned that the escalating conflict in Iran “risks collapsing the global nuclear nonproliferation regime.” Director General Rafael Grossi called for a return to diplomacy, saying that if violence continues, “violence and destruction could reach unimaginable levels.”
US strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites this weekend have led to an emergency meeting at the IAEA. The agency’s inspectors are currently in Iran but cannot inspect the damaged sites due to the crisis. Grossi expressed concerns about the potential for nuclear material to be moved or transferred, which could impact nonproliferation efforts.
Experts say that while the strikes on facilities like Fordow and Natanz may cause significant damage, they do not pose a large-scale nuclear catastrophe risk. The biggest environmental threat is local and related to toxic gases and chemicals at these sites.
Grossi also warned of the long-term danger of Iran developing a nuclear weapon in response to these attacks. He stated that having more nuclear weapons in more states around the world would lead to increased instability and security risks, making it harder for countries to feel safe from adversaries.
Source: https://www.wired.com/story/international-nuclear-watchdog-warning-iran-strikes