Rafael Mariano Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), urged all parties involved in the Middle East conflict to return to negotiations in pursuit of a lasting solution in an exclusive interview with CGTN on Thursday.

Grossi stressed that attacks on nuclear facilities are "unacceptable," and the nuclear power plant should never be attacked, or its physical integrity should never be compromised.

Grossi underscored the IAEA's role in safeguarding nuclear facilities, noting that the agency has established a set of safety pillars that should always be observed.

Amid concerns over a potential escalation, Grossi said the IAEA is already coordinating with countries in the region, particularly Gulf states, to enhance preparedness.

He said the agency has been providing guidance, training and analytical tools to help authorities respond to worst-case scenarios, including the risk of radioactive releases resulting from attacks on nuclear sites.

"We hope this will never happen," he said, adding that he remains in active contact with regional stakeholders to raise awareness of the grave consequences such actions would entail.

Grossi also noted that the IAEA has been working to facilitate a temporary understanding among conflicting parties not to target each other's nuclear facilities. However, previous talks held in Geneva failed to produce an agreement.

Despite the setback, he said there is a possibility of a restart of a diplomatic conversation now, emphasizing that the nuclear issue can only be resolved through peaceful means.

"I repeat and I urge my counterparts in all these countries that we need to be able to come again around the table in order to try to find a long-lasting solution to this problem," Grossi said.