'Unacceptable': Marco Rubio condemns Iran’s demand to arrest IAEA chief; calls for inspector safety

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has denounced calls in Iran for the arrest and execution of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi, describing them as “unacceptable” and calling for international condemnation.In a post on 'X', Rubio said, “We support the IAEA's critical verification and monitoring efforts in Iran and commend the Director General and the IAEA for their dedication and professionalism. We call on Iran to provide for the safety and security of IAEA personnel.”His statement comes amid escalating tensions following Israeli and US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Iran’s parliament recently approved a bill to suspend cooperation with the IAEA unless its nuclear facilities are guaranteed protection, according to The Guardian.Grossi has warned that Iran is “not far” from developing nuclear weapons capability and urged diplomacy to avoid a crisis, as reported by Moneycontrol. Meanwhile, AP noted that indirect talks between the US and Iran are expected next week, amid a fragile ceasefire.The New York-based Wired magazine reported that Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile is approaching weapons-grade levels, further complicating global non-proliferation efforts.As the standoff intensifies, Rubio’s message highlights US support for the IAEA’s role and raises alarm over potential threats to its personnel in Iran.