Rubio Slams Iran’s Threats Against IAEA Chief Amid Nuclear Tensions

Washington, D.C. — Secretary of State Marco Rubio has sharply criticized Iran’s escalating threats against Rafael Mariano Grossi, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), labeling them as "utterly unacceptable." The condemnation follows reports from Iran’s parliament vice speaker, Hamid Reza Haji Babaei, who called for Grossi’s arrest and execution while announcing a ban on IAEA surveillance at the nation’s nuclear sites.

Iran’s move comes amid heightened tensions after U.S. airstrikes targeted key nuclear facilities, including Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, causing significant damage. Speaking on Fox News, Grossi revealed that Natanz suffered "very serious damage" to a centrifuge hall used for uranium enrichment. More alarmingly, he noted that approximately 900 pounds of potentially enriched uranium has gone missing, with Iranian officials vaguely citing "protective measures" for the material’s relocation to an ancient site near Isfahan.

Rubio took to X to voice his support for the IAEA’s critical monitoring efforts, urging Iran to ensure the safety of agency personnel. "The IAEA’s work is vital to global security, and Iran’s actions undermine international trust," Rubio stated. The State Department echoed his stance, declining to elaborate further.

The controversy follows a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Iran, with accusations swirling that Israel accessed sensitive nuclear data. Iran’s decision to limit IAEA access harks back to 2018, when President Donald Trump withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal, prompting Tehran to scale back compliance.

Grossi emphasized the IAEA’s commitment to tracking Iran’s nuclear material, stating, "Iran has an obligation to account for every ounce of uranium. My job is to keep asking the tough questions." As tensions simmer, the international community watches closely, wary of Iran’s next move in this high-stakes nuclear chess game.