The next is the total transcript of the interview with Worldwide Atomic Power Company Director-Normal Rafael Grossi, a portion of which can air on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan” on March 22, 2026.
MARGARET BRENNAN: And we’re joined now by the Director Normal of the IAEA, Rafael Grossi. It is good to have you ever right here.
DIRECTOR GENERAL RAFAEL MARIANO GROSSI: Thanks. It is good to be right here.
MARGARET BRENNAN: These are some very severe instances, significantly for you and your portfolio. Are you able to clarify to our viewers, can Iran’s nuclear ambitions be destroyed by way of army motion solely?
DIRECTOR GENERAL GROSSI: Effectively, in fact, there has already been lots of harm completed. Final 12 months, the 12 Day Struggle was, in that sense, fairly efficient. If I can use that, that phrase, that form of phrase. When it comes to the bodily distraction at three of the foremost facilities- or extra compounds, I ought to say, as a result of you’ve many buildings which have been- Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan, we’ve got been masking, masking that. This time round, I feel the main focus of the marketing campaign doesn’t appear to be particularly the nuclear amenities, though there have been some hits in Natanz and Isfahan and in addition at one other place close to Parchin, which was once a facility extra associated to the weaponization efforts, however again within the early 2000’s. So, there was some, however I might say they’ve been comparatively marginal when you think about the general nature of the army marketing campaign thus far. So, going again to your query, there was lots of impression on this system. One can’t deny that this has actually rolled again this system significantly, though, you understand, I am very skeptical about these metrics, days, minutes, months, as a result of every part is relative. However my impression is that after the army effort involves an finish, we are going to nonetheless inherit quite a few main points which have been on the middle of all of this. One, most notably, the stock of enriched uranium at 60%, which may be very near the diploma you should make a bomb, that’s going to nonetheless be the place it’s, largely–
MARGARET BRENNAN: –Beneath the rubble.
DIRECTOR GENERAL GROSSI: –Beneath the rubble, and in some circumstances no rubble. And a few- someplace below. And in addition, importantly, some amenities, infrastructure, tools, which have most likely survived a number of the assaults, even- they may very well be broken, severely broken, however that’s one thing that we are going to solely be capable of verify as soon as our inspectors return. So–
MARGARET BRENNAN: Let’s speak about that. What I heard you say there may be, Iran had that nuclear weapons program that in 2003, in keeping with U.S. intelligence, was halted. However as you understand, there’s this debate over whether or not Iran’s nuclear program truly did have a weapons ambition. You had been by no means fairly capable of say sure or no.
DIRECTOR GENERAL GROSSI: Effectively, as a result of we are- we aren’t analysts or folks having opinions. We’re the IAEA. So each time we are saying one thing, it must be based mostly on precise inspection. However, we had been as exact as we may very well be when it comes to characterizing what we had been seeing. And one essential conclusion of that was, and I feel I’ve- I’ve repeated that in view of the conflicting narratives which can be on the market, particularly right here in america, they’ve it, they do not have it, what- and specifically, folks have a tendency to love a part of a sentence I pronounce and never the opposite, or neglect the 2. And the factor is, and continues to be one, sure, such as you say, sure, we’ve not seen a scientific program just like the Ahmad plan, with workplaces folks reporting to folks, and an array of locations the place you’re doing stuff. However there have been many, many regarding issues, many unanswered questions, and particularly since 2019, 2020 once I became- roughly, once I turned director normal, the place sure, in 2015 in 2016 when the JCPOA, the earlier settlement, you remember–
MARGARET BRENNAN: The Obama-era nuclear accord–
DIRECTOR GENERAL GROSSI: Precisely. When that began to be utilized, Iran was complying with quite a few issues, however we began seeing new stuff. We began seeing and getting new components that gave rise to issues, and we had been speaking about them with Iran. You’ve got seen me many instances go to Tehran, signal declarations and see commitments on their half. After which it got here a degree, essential level, once I mentioned, you understand, in view of this, I’ve to say that I am now not ready, I am now not capable of say that every part is in order–
MARGARET BRENNAN: Since you had been discovering uranium in locations it wasn’t purported to be as a result of they weren’t permitting you unfettered entry. You could not say clearly, somehow.
DIRECTOR GENERAL GROSSI: Precisely that.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Let’s come again to that. I- in keeping with what you probably did know and did- had been capable of declare in these IAEA experiences, Iran had uranium enriched as much as 60%, weapons-grade is 90 as I perceive it.
DIRECTOR GENERAL GROSSI: Yeah.
MARGARET BRENNAN: And if that materials stays now in Iran after fight ends, will it nonetheless have nuclear capabilities if it has the enriched materials and the centrifuges?
DIRECTOR GENERAL GROSSI: Effectively, you keep in mind, and for this, I might quote, or partially seek advice from issues which have been mentioned in Iran by Iranians. You keep in mind essential officers saying, we’ve got all the weather of the puzzle. You do not forget that. So, in fact, and never mentioned by a journalist or a newspaper, essential folks that had been working in this system. So when that is mentioned, we had been telling them, that is unhelpful, or not less than you need to clarify what is- what is supposed by that. The- it is a huge program, all proper, and so albeit the bodily distraction that has been operated, acted upon these amenities, there’s rather a lot occurring. And do not forget one thing, Margaret. Once we speak about centrifuges, once we speak about this sort of amenities, that is an exercise that may be comparatively, I would not say simply, however it is extremely attainable to reconstruct this effort is metallurgy, is a complicated washer. If I can put it like that, you’ve rudders. You could have rudders, bellows, however it’s about steel, the flexibility to curve steel in a sure approach, the flexibility to weld it in a sure approach, the flexibility to have it spin at nice pace, membranes. It is nothing- I imply, and you can’t unlearn what you have realized.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Proper, you possibly can’t bomb away the data. In order that functionality will exist after combat–
DIRECTOR GENERAL GROSSI: –Precisely, and it was very subtle. Let’s not neglect, once more, referring again to JCPOA. JCPOA was based mostly, or predicated upon a really primitive sort of centrifuge. Now Iran has essentially the most subtle, quick and environment friendly machine that exists, and so they know the right way to make them, they know. And on prime of that, there might- there could also be locations on the market which aren’t nuclear locations. So, I imply, may very well be a workshop, dozens of workshops that exist. They usually- this functionality exists. For this reason, what I say is that we nonetheless have to discover a framework, an agreed framework, that’s going to be offering us with the mandatory [sic] visibility and sense of a transparent concept of the place they’re, the place they wish to go.
MARGARET BRENNAN: As a result of this battle is not going to destroy Iran’s nuclear ambitions–
DIRECTOR GENERAL GROSSI: –any war–
MARGARET BRENNAN: –and capabilities.
DIRECTOR GENERAL GROSSI: I might say any war–
MARGARET BRENNAN: –Any battle.
DIRECTOR GENERAL GROSSI: –unless it was nuclear battle and also you go for destruction in an unfathomable approach, which we hope, in fact, will not- by no means be the case.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Effectively, speak to me in regards to the choices that we all know are being mentioned by america proper now. Together with President Trump and Israel have talked in regards to the potential of sending particular forces in to safe a few of this enriched materials. You could have been to Isfahan, you’ve seen a number of the underground amenities. How tough wouldn’t it be to maneuver these cylinders which can be there stuffed with chemical substances?
DIRECTOR GENERAL GROSSI: Hear, in fact, I am not, I am not a army skilled, and I do not know what sort of skills there may very well be on the market, and I’ve little doubt that, you understand, wanting on the effectivity of army operations that america has been performing this 12 months, specifically from the start of the 12 months, maybe there are methods that they’ll try this, and I cannot enter into- into that evaluation. However I’ve to say that we’re speaking about cylinders containing fuel of extremely contaminated uranium hexafluoride at 60%, so it is very tough to deal with. A lot in order that, for instance, in phrases, of this negotiation, we would maybe focus on that a bit of bit, that didn’t bear fruit. One of many issues that we had been discussing was downblending it due to its problem when it comes to dealing with within the state of affairs, for instance, of a ship out of the fabric, exfiltrating the fabric. So it is extremely tough. Then, in fact, I suppose there might be quite a few decoys, quite a few distracting cylinders, supplies over there, which might make it very tough. I am not saying it is inconceivable. I do know that right here there are unimaginable army capacities to do this, however it will be very difficult operation for certain.
MARGARET BRENNAN: For special- for a army operation to be carried out. After fight ends, Iran’s overseas minister on this program final week advised us their nuclear materials is below the rubble and so they’d be keen to take care of your company. Similar to they had been negotiating earlier than the U.S. began bombing. Have you ever talked to the White Home about this concept that your inspectors can go in and collect that materials and take it out?
DIRECTOR GENERAL GROSSI: We’re contemplating these choices, in fact. Our relationship with Iran is a treaty-based obligation, as a result of even within the context of this battle and the scenario that we’re in, Iran is a signatory to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, in order that they have a contractual obligation to permit our inspectors in. After all, there’s widespread sense. Nothing can occur whereas bombs are falling. However sure, I have been having essential conversations right here on the White Home, and in addition with Iran. There are some contacts, and we hope to have the ability to reestablish that line.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Do you assume you possibly can revive components of that deal that had been being put collectively earlier than the bombing started, the place Iran would downblend? I imply, Oman’s International Minister on this program mentioned that Iran had agreed to zero stockpiling, that that they had agreed to ship that materials out and to dilute it down, downblend it.
DIRECTOR GENERAL GROSSI: Sure.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Was there actually the opportunity of a deal? As a result of it was simply hours earlier than the bombing started that he advised us peace was attainable.
DIRECTOR GENERAL GROSSI: Whereas, whereas there is a negotiation, there’s at all times a risk of an settlement. We can’t deny that.
MARGARET BRENNAN: However you believed Iran really was providing an choice?
DIRECTOR GENERAL GROSSI: There was a dialogue, however there was no settlement.
MARGARET BRENNAN: There was no settlement that Friday that the bombing started. The Omani overseas minister mentioned he wanted one other 90 days. Would an actual deal have been attainable?
DIRECTOR GENERAL GROSSI: Effectively- perhaps, I feel- I reward his efforts. I respect him enormously. I feel he was actually making an attempt very, very onerous, and we had lengthy discussions. He invited me in, in fact, along with the 2 belligerents right now. So we had been having very frank and really deep discussions. So one can’t deny the the Aristocracy of the hassle of somebody who’s making an attempt to stop a battle, and I applaud that as a diplomat and as a citizen. However there was no settlement at that time. A lot so- keep in mind this, you do not forget that we had agreed to have a technical assembly on the Monday after the weekend the place the operation began. That ought to let you know that there have been very important, if not disagreements, there was no alignment on what we- what lots of the issues that had been mentioned that basically meant. And that is why I supplied and I mentioned, effectively, let’s- the technical stage piece, ship me your folks to Vienna. We are going to undergo this and see what this or that may- might imply.
MARGARET BRENNAN: You wished to maintain speaking to keep away from army motion?
DIRECTOR GENERAL GROSSI: Effectively, I felt that that was my obligation. I used to be invited to supply my technical help.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Effectively, let’s speak about that. As a result of, you understand, Iran disputes that they’ve a weapons program now, however they do have a nuclear program, together with a analysis reactor in Tehran for medical isotopes. President Trump advised reporters that this was “a whole and false pretense to cover the truth that they had been stockpiling there.” He meant nuclear gas. The IAEA screens that location. Is that what Iran was doing, secretly stockpiling materials?
DIRECTOR GENERAL GROSSI: Let’s attempt to make clear, unpack that a bit of bit, as a result of there’s additionally lots of confusion that I see in characterizing, what the- what the Tehran Analysis Reactor is, what is occurring there. The related level for and when it comes to this negotiation and what may have occurred is that this analysis reactor, and typically analysis reactors, require for his or her gas a stage of enrichment which is 20%.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Which was permitted below current agreements.
DIRECTOR GENERAL GROSSI: Sure, but- yeah, it is permitted typically. However the factor is that we had been in the course of a negotiation which was continuing from the idea that there would not be any enrichment.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Zero enrichment?
DIRECTOR GENERAL GROSSI: Zero or one thing very, very restricted. So once you, once you speak about 20%, you’re exceeding that quantity. Overlook about if there was stockpile or not. The idea, and that is what I would love your viewers to understand, that the concept should you go for an settlement that presupposes that you would be able to have 20%, that is three or 4 instances extra what the JCPOA was allowing. You keep in mind, the extent of enrichment agreed within the JCPOA was 3.6. Normally, enrichment–
MARGARET BRENNAN: However there have been allowments for these medical- I ought to simply make clear. I mentioned President Trump. I meant President Trump’s officers, his representatives mentioned that. However for you, you- you probably did have questions on this Tehran Analysis Reactor. I am bringing it up as a result of these Trump officers preserve pointing to the IAEA as offering info that made them say, wait a second, Iran’s not being sincere. Is that what you had been telling the U.S.?
DIRECTOR GENERAL GROSSI: Not about- we do not focus on honesty or dishonesty. What we focus on is technical capabilities, and what technical capabilities might let you do or not. Intentions are legitimately mentioned on the nationwide stage, and I will not get into that dialogue as a result of each nation and america and the President of america has each proper to imagine that they had been going to do one thing or that they’ve an intention. My job is a unique job, it’s to clarify, on the premise of the applied sciences which can be there, what can occur and what’s the impression vis a vis the negotiation you are making an attempt to get. And 20% is lots of enrichment.
MARGARET BRENNAN: So then, was it right for these Trump officers to say that the company, your company, supplied the U.S. info that Iran by no means as soon as used that materials to make even a single drugs, that every part that was being completed there was a canopy for what may very well be a nuclear program?
DIRECTOR GENERAL GROSSI: Effectively, there you are placing phrases that relate to intentions. And I do not get into the duvet or one thing like this. What I can say is that this can be a reactor that probably may very well be used for radio isotope manufacturing. There was very, very restricted. We had been inspecting this facility. We’re inspecting it, truly. So there was restricted use. After all, Iran has each proper to say, no, we’re going to have a giant program for radio isotope you understand, that is what’s used to detect and generally treatment most cancers. So it is a [unintelligible].
MARGARET BRENNAN: However the IAEA is the UN, is that this purported to be simply calling balls and strikes, as we are saying right here, simply calling it as they see it?
DIRECTOR GENERAL GROSSI: Yeah.
MARGARET BRENNAN: As you noticed it, Iran might need been dishonest?
DIRECTOR GENERAL GROSSI: I feel, once more, to come back to the judgment, we’ve got to have certainties. What we- and I am going again to what we had been discussing initially of the dialog, Margaret. There have been many unanswered questions, many unanswered questions, many regarding details. And what we had been asking Iran is, give us the readability that we want. If you happen to say that you’ve a fatwa that prohibits the nation to develop nuclear weapons, effectively, allow us to examine. If you do not have something to cover, and that is, by the way in which, what we inform everyone within the IAEA, as an instance, operation, you do not have something to cover? Present us.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Proper, and also you need, you need that entry now. U.S.- the U.S. Director of Nationwide Intelligence advised Congress yesterday that Iran’s enrichment program was obliterated, that the U.S. has seen no efforts to attempt to rebuild their enrichment functionality. Do you agree with that evaluation? Do you’ve any indication that the brand new Supreme Chief would desire a weapons program?
DIRECTOR GENERAL GROSSI: Effectively, I do not disagree with that. We do not see main exercise, which is logical, as a result of there may be a- there’s a army marketing campaign ongoing, whatever- you are not going to start out, you understand, bringing cranes and workers–
MARGARET BRENNAN: –but they weren’t doing it within the lead as much as the battle, both, in keeping with the Secretary of State.
DIRECTOR GENERAL GROSSI: Possibly. By the way in which, what we’ve got is satellite tv for pc imagery, all proper? So not less than the IAEA, perhaps others produce other technical means or private means to examine what is occurring. So far as we’re involved, we’ve not seen exercise. However as I used to be saying, rather a lot nonetheless has survived. They’ve the capabilities, they’ve the data, they’ve the economic capacity to do this. For this reason we have to return to a negotiating desk. It will be wanted.
MARGARET BRENNAN: And the U.S. has bombed twice in 9 months through the course of diplomacy. Who has the credibility to steer negotiations now? Do you assume it must be a regional dialog?
DIRECTOR GENERAL GROSSI: I do not assume a regional dialog would be- something can occur, and the IAEA will assist. However that is a few nationwide program on a extremely delicate nationwide safety problem, like a nuclear program. So, I do not see how a regional convention or dialog may very well be simpler than what is required. We’d like america, in fact, and Iran on the desk. The IEA will help, perhaps, I do not know. The Omani effort may very well be revived, I do not know, that isn’t my dialogue, which is a political dialogue. However I do not assume anyone would disagree, even right here in Washington, that- that for a sturdy, long-standing answer, we must see one another once more across the desk.
MARGARET BRENNAN: And Iran has reached out to you? Their overseas minister has mentioned he is involved in a negotiation?
DIRECTOR GENERAL GROSSI: It is- I would not say that, it will be unfair to him. However there are contacts.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Let me simply ask you about one different factor. You mentioned about half the nuclear materials was round Isfahan.
DIRECTOR GENERAL GROSSI: Effectively, it is a bit of bit extra. There’s- however the majority of the fabric is there. And that is no secret, as a result of I’ve seen lots of hype about it. This has been in our experiences. The overwhelming majority is there. There’s some in Natanz as effectively, and another components.
MARGARET BRENNAN: There’s give attention to these different undeclared amenities President Trump has introduced up. There is a facility referred to as Pickaxe Mountain, for instance, that comes up. Are you involved about these others?
DIRECTOR GENERAL GROSSI: Effectively we should always have- we should always go to these. They weren’t operational. So that is why we hadn’t. You could do not forget that on the- on the eve of the June 2025 marketing campaign, Iran introduced that that they had a brand new enrichment facility in Isfahan.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Sure.
DIRECTOR GENERAL GROSSI: On the identical day, I issued a request for an pressing inspection, which was granted, and the inspectors had been there, and the morning the place the- or the, you understand, late evening when the assaults occurred. So we by no means received to see the place. We must go there ultimately.
MARGARET BRENNAN: However just- closing thought right here. Do you assume President Trump helps what I heard you say, which is {that a} army marketing campaign can’t destroy Iran’s nuclear program, and that the one strategy to perceive what they’re actually doing is to be on the bottom inspecting it, and that may’t be completed by america army totally both?
DIRECTOR GENERAL GROSSI: Effectively, I feel- I do not know what he- whether or not he would endorse this or not, however he has mentioned additionally that, in fact, diplomacy is the popular choice. I feel that’s encouraging, and we’ve got had a really constructive dialog prior to now, and now. So–
MARGARET BRENNAN: Have you ever spoken to him?
DIRECTOR GENERAL GROSSI: To not the president, no. I hadn’t had the dignity. However I used to be speaking to folks that I’ve been speaking prior to now. And we continue- we proceed this- this effort. I feel the essence of that is that within the bleakest hour, we should always by no means lose hope.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Director Grossi, thanks to your time.
DIRECTOR GENERAL GROSSI: Thanks very a lot.
MARGARET BRENNAN: And we’ll be proper again.
