IAEA Chief Rafael Grossi is now under round-the-clock protection from Austria’s elite Cobra unit due to a specific threat linked to Iran, according to reports from the Wall Street Journal. The heightened security measures come amid escalating tensions surrounding nuclear negotiations and geopolitical dynamics in the region.
The threat against Grossi was described as credible, prompting the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to take swift action to ensure the safety of its director-general. This follows a series of aggressive statements from Iranian officials regarding the agency's oversight of their nuclear program, which has raised alarms internationally.
Grossi has been at the forefront of negotiations aimed at curbing Iran's nuclear ambitions, playing a crucial role in monitoring compliance with the 2015 nuclear agreement. As previously reported, the IAEA has faced increasing scrutiny and challenges in its efforts to maintain transparency in Iran's nuclear activities.
The current situation underscores the fragile state of international relations concerning nuclear non-proliferation. With Grossi's safety now a priority, the IAEA is likely to enhance its operational protocols to safeguard its leadership in light of these threats. This incident also mirrors similar developments seen in other parts of the world, such as Thailand joining a US-led coalition to tackle regional crime threats, highlighting the global implications of security challenges today.
