Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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November 20, 2025 Economic development
International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi addressed the IAEA Board of Governors in Vienna, presenting an overview of the agency's activities – from inspections in Iran and support for Ukrainian nuclear power plants to global initiatives in health, food security, and the climate agenda.
The situation in Iran
IAEA inspectors have resumed inspections at a number of Iranian nuclear facilities undamaged by the Israeli and US strikes in June. However, according to Grossi, restoring a full inspection regime requires broader engagement with Tehran.
"I am convinced that the only solution [to the Iranian nuclear issue] remains diplomatic. This requires engagement and understanding of the situation on our part and full compliance with Iran's obligations," he emphasized, referring to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and the comprehensive safeguards agreement with Iran.
Grossi also said the IAEA is working to ensure inspectors have access to the country's stockpiles of low- and highly enriched uranium.
Support for Ukraine
The IAEA maintains a permanent presence at five Ukrainian nuclear power plants. Grossi called the current situation "extremely dangerous and fragile," noting that the agency's mediation allowed the power lines supplying the Zaporizhzhia NPP to be restored after a month-long outage.
Since the beginning of the conflict, the Agency has conducted 217 missions to Ukrainian nuclear facilities involving 176 experts, and made 174 deliveries of equipment worth €20.5 million to ensure the safety and security of Ukrainian nuclear power plants.
Flagship initiatives
Grossi also presented the achievements of the IAEA's technical cooperation with various organizations. This concerns programs that utilize nuclear technologies. For example, the initiative Atoms4Foodhelps countries strengthen food security.
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Almost a hundred countries have already joined the project. Rays of Hope: Cancer Care for All, in which the agency is collaborating with St. Jude Hospital to develop curricula in pediatric oncology and the use of artificial intelligence.
The ZODIAC program, together with the VETLAB network, supported Senegalese scientists who sequenced the complete genome of the Rift Valley fever virus for the first time, which has significant implications for the health systems of Senegal, Mauritania, and The Gambia.
Climate and energy of the future
The IAEA is actively participating in the UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém, Brazil, hosting over a dozen events at the Atoms4Climate pavilion. Discussions focused on soil and water protection, fusion energy, and "blue carbon" ecosystems.
"The days of debating whether nuclear energy is necessary or not are over. Everyone now agrees that nuclear energy is important," Grossi said.
The head of the IAEA spoke about his visit to China for a conference on fusion energy and to ITER, the largest international platform for fusion research. In December, Vienna will host the first IAEA Symposium on Artificial Intelligence and Nuclear Energy, bringing together governments, regulators, and representatives of the private sector.
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