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IAEA chief warns Israel against striking nuclear facilities

According to an interview that was broadcast on Monday, the chief of the International Atomic Energy Agency Rafael Grossi stated that Iranians warned him about a possible Israeli strike on Iran's nuclear facilities. This could lead Iran to become more determined to develop a nuclear weapon.

Grossi stated in the interview published on the Jerusalem Post's website and broadcast on i24 TV on Sunday that a strike could have a compounding effect. It would solidify Iran's resolve - I say this plainly - either to pursue obtaining atomic weapons or to withdraw from the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

The Jerusalem Post reported that Grossi doubted Israel's ability to strike Iran's nuclear sites.

Grossi, speaking to the Jerusalem Post, said that Iran's nuclear program is "wide and deep". To disrupt them, it would take overwhelming and destructive force.

Tehran and Washington recently held nuclear talks, mediated by Oman. Esmaeil baghaei, spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, said that Iran will present a counter-proposal to the United States through Oman in response to an offer from Washington which Tehran finds "unacceptable".

Last week, U.S. president Donald Trump claimed he warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against taking actions that might disrupt nuclear negotiations with Iran.

Trump told reporters at the Oval Office: "I told him that this was not appropriate to do now, because we are very close to finding a solution." "That could all change at any time."

Trump and Netanyahu will likely speak on the phone Monday.

(source: Reuters)