UN Official Dismisses JCPOA as Foundation for New Iran Nuclear Deal

At a press conference on Wednesday, the United Nations’ leading nuclear energy official stated that the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which was the Iran nuclear deal from the Obama era, should not serve as a framework for any new agreement.

Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and a potential successor to António Guterres as the next UN Secretary-General, spoke as discussions began regarding the compliance of signatories to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). He classified Iran as a problematic state that has invested heavily in a nuclear program unsuitable for civilian purposes while still being a part of the NPT.

When asked if the JCPOA could be a reference point for negotiating a long-term deal concerning Iran’s nuclear ambitions, Grossi was clear in his response: “No.”

He elaborated, saying, “Iran has advanced significantly in its nuclear endeavors over recent years. They’ve got the latest centrifuges and new compounds coming from Isfahan. There are also fresh facilities being discussed. So, as we might say in the U.S., this is a totally different situation now. The JCPOA can’t be the basis anymore. We need to look at alternatives.”

In addition to this, Grossi pointed out that achieving consensus on limiting Iran’s nuclear program is particularly challenging right now due to fractures within the UN, especially within the Security Council.

He noted, “Previously, resolutions regarding Iran would pass in the UN Security Council without a vote. Many of those resolutions were adopted when the JCPOA was established. Now, the common ground that once existed, particularly among the permanent members of the Security Council, has vanished.”

Despite this, he remained somewhat optimistic, suggesting that it’s still possible to develop a consensus on the matter, though there isn’t much hope for that currently.

Iran has strong backing from Russia and China within the Security Council, both of which often support Iranian interests. Russian officials have called for any future nuclear deal to closely resemble the JCPOA.

In 2018, President Trump pulled the U.S. out of the JCPOA, accusing Iran of routinely violating its commitments. While several countries, including Iran, still adhere to the deal’s framework, Grossi lamented that “no one is sticking to it,” rendering it practically ineffective. Iranian leaders have repeatedly asserted that their uranium enrichment does not pose a threat, even as public demonstrations often feature chants like “Death to America” and “Death to Israel.”

Grossi reflected on the JCPOA’s failings, expressing doubt that anyone would implement or adhere to it. He remarked, “There was an effort in Vienna to breathe life into the JCPOA. Unfortunately, it fell through for reasons I don’t fully understand, as I wasn’t involved.”

In light of Iran’s nuclear transgressions, Trump announced in June 2025 that he would initiate airstrikes on three of Iran’s primary nuclear facilities located in Isfahan, Natanz, and Fordow. Following that, another military action in February, dubbed Operation Epic Fury, aimed to eliminate Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei and several senior officials, done in collaboration with an Israeli operation. Iran reacted by launching attacks against various neighboring nations, including the UAE.

Currently, hostilities between the U.S. and Tehran are paused due to an indefinite ceasefire announced by Trump, who indicated this step was necessary to stabilize the Iranian government after notable leadership losses.

There are serious concerns regarding the stored enriched uranium thought to be at the bombed facilities from 2025. Nuclear officials estimate that Iran possesses about 972 pounds of highly enriched uranium. Grossi highlighted during his remarks that the ongoing conflict since February complicates potential nuclear inspections. Yet, he emphasized that the IAEA lacks the authority to enter Iran for inspections to verify the whereabouts of the material.

He stated, “There is no peace. Only a ceasefire.” He went on to express concerns about access to facilities, indicating that confirmation of circumstances can only come through inspections.

Before the press event, Grossi met with senior officials from the State Department, where they discussed “the current situation in Iran,” as mentioned in a social media post by the IAEA chief.

Grossi estimated that most of Iran’s known enriched uranium remained in Isfahan, based on information collected by the IAEA just prior to the 2025 U.S. airstrike.