IAEA chief skeptical Iran’s nuclear program can be eliminated with just military action

The Hill
by Sylvan Lane
March 18, 2026
3 min read

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IAEA chief Grossi says military action alone cannot eliminate Iran's nuclear program due to its size and entrenchment.

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IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said that military action alone cannot eliminate Iran's nuclear program, arguing the program is too vast and deeply entrenched after decades of development. Grossi's statement comes amid broader international debate over how to address Iran's nuclear activities, which the U.S. and allies have long viewed as a proliferation threat. The assessment suggests that any effective strategy would require diplomatic engagement or other comprehensive measures beyond military strikes. Iran has maintained its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, though Western intelligence agencies assess it has military dimensions. Grossi's skepticism reflects IAEA expertise on the technical and logistical challenges of dismantling an established nuclear infrastructure.

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