Fact Check: On October 6, 2023, Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, reported to the UN Security Council that the above-ground part of the pilot fuel enrichment plant at Natanz, where Iran was producing uranium enriched up to 60% U-235, has been destroyed.

Fact Check: "On October 6, 2023, Rafael Grossi reported to the UN Security Council that the above-ground part of the pilot fuel enrichment plant at Natanz has been destroyed."

What We Know

On October 6, 2023, Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), addressed the UN Security Council regarding the situation in Iran. He confirmed that the above-ground part of the Pilot Fuel Enrichment Plant (PFEP) at Natanz, where Iran was enriching uranium up to 60% U-235, had been destroyed due to Israeli airstrikes. This information was reported by multiple sources, including Reuters and The New York Times. Grossi stated that the facility was being used for uranium enrichment, which is a critical step towards potential nuclear weapon development.

Analysis

The claim that Grossi reported the destruction of the Natanz enrichment plant is corroborated by credible news outlets. For instance, Reuters and The New York Times both reported on the destruction of the facility following Israeli military actions. Furthermore, Grossi's statements were documented in an official IAEA report, which confirmed that the above-ground section of the PFEP was indeed targeted and destroyed during the strikes.

However, the context surrounding these events is crucial. While Grossi's report confirms the destruction of the facility, it is important to note that the IAEA has also indicated that Iran's overall nuclear activities continue, including the enrichment of uranium at other sites. For example, a report from the IAEA noted that Iran had increased its stockpile of uranium enriched to near weapons-grade levels, indicating ongoing nuclear activity despite the destruction of the Natanz facility (AP News).

The reliability of the sources reporting this information is high, as they include established news organizations and official statements from the IAEA. However, it is essential to consider the potential biases in reporting, especially given the geopolitical tensions between Israel and Iran, which may influence how events are portrayed.

Conclusion

The claim that Rafael Grossi reported the destruction of the above-ground part of the pilot fuel enrichment plant at Natanz is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms that Grossi made this statement in the context of Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. However, it is important to recognize that while this specific claim is accurate, it does not encompass the broader implications of Iran's ongoing nuclear program and activities.

Sources

1. IAEA chief tells UN: Iran's above-ground Natanz enrichment plant ...
2. Iran's above-ground enrichment plant at Natanz destroyed ...
3. Iran defies international pressure, increasing its stockpile of near ...
4. Explosions and Buzzing Drones Heard as Israel and Iran Exchange New ...
5. Director General Grossi's Statement to UNSC on Situation in Iran
6. Pilot Fuel Enrichment Plant (PFEP) - The Nuclear Threat Initiative
7. Meeting in Wake of Israeli Air Strikes on Iran, Delegates in ...
8. Iran signals willingness to halt stockpile expansion, Grossi says