Marco Rubio condemns threats against IAEA director Grossi
- Allegations surfaced in Iran claiming that IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi should face severe penalties.
- Marco Rubio denounced these threats, stressing the importance of IAEA's work and the safety of its personnel.
- The international community called for Iran to maintain cooperation with the IAEA, underlining the need for transparency.
On June 30, 2025, Iran's parliament vice speaker Hamid Reza Haji Babaei indicated that IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi would be banned from Iran, even suggesting severe consequences like arrest and execution. This prompted widespread condemnation from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who labeled these threats as unacceptable and emphasized the need for Iran to ensure the safety of IAEA personnel. The International Atomic Energy Agency, which Grossi leads, called attention to damage at various Iranian nuclear facilities following U.S. airstrikes, further complicating international relations regarding Iran's nuclear program. The situation escalated as member nations of the International Atomic Energy Agency voiced their disapproval of Iran's threatening stance towards Grossi, insisting on the necessity for cooperation with the agency. The confrontation shines a light on the delicate balance of power in the region and raises concerns about nuclear safety and oversight amidst ongoing tensions. As the IAEA continues to navigate its oversight role, the calls for accountability and transparency from Iran become increasingly critical.