Marco Rubio has condemned Iran’s demand to arrest International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi, calling the threat “unacceptable” and warning of serious consequences. As tensions soar following Israeli and U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, Rubio urged Iran to ensure the safety of IAEA officials.
His statement reinforces U.S. support for the IAEA’s work and highlights growing global concerns over Iran’s nuclear escalation.
Rubio Backs Inspector Safety
Marco Rubio issued a strongly worded post on X, declaring, “We support the IAEA’s critical verification and monitoring efforts in Iran and commend the Director General and the IAEA for their dedication and professionalism. We call on Iran to provide for the safety and security of IAEA personnel.” Iranian lawmakers recently demanded the arrest and execution of Grossi, prompting international outrage.
Iran’s parliament passed a bill that cuts off cooperation with the IAEA unless foreign powers guarantee protection for its nuclear facilities. Israeli and U.S. forces had struck Iranian nuclear sites just days earlier. Rubio reinforced the Biden administration’s push to preserve nuclear oversight and prevent further conflict.
Marco Rubio Warns of Nuclear Risks
Grossi, head of the IAEA, has already warned that Iran stands “not far” from acquiring nuclear weapons capability. As a result, he urged diplomats to engage immediately, stressing the need for a solution to prevent regional destabilisation. Meanwhile, Wired magazine reported that U.S. and Iranian representatives plan to hold indirect talks next week, even as Iran pushes its uranium enrichment closer to weapons-grade levels.
In this context, Rubio’s statement highlights U.S. concerns about nuclear safety and the need to protect international inspectors. Observers now view Iran’s demand to arrest Grossi not only as a political threat but also as a dangerous shift that could dismantle existing nuclear safeguards. Therefore, Rubio’s push for global condemnation raises the stakes of the growing standoff.
