The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, has issued a grave warning that Iran could restart uranium enrichment potentially enabling the production of nuclear weapons within a matter of months. This statement aligns with growing concerns following a series of military strikes by the US and Israel on Iranian nuclear sites.
Iran Could Resume Uranium Enrichment for Nuclear Weapon Within Months, Says UN Nuclear Chief
Iran Could Resume Uranium Enrichment for Nuclear Weapon Within Months, Says UN Nuclear Chief
UN nuclear watchdog confirms Iran's capacity to enrich uranium, as tensions escalate between Iran and Israel following recent military strikes.
Iran's nuclear ambitions have come under increased scrutiny after the IAEA reported that Tehran has breached its non-proliferation obligations for the first time in two decades. Grossi revealed that despite the damage inflicted by US airstrikes on three Iranian sites—Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan—the key infrastructure necessary for uranium enrichment still remains intact. He emphasized that Iran retains the industrial and technological capabilities to rapidly resume uranium enrichment.
In the wake of these strikes, former President Donald Trump controversially stated that Iran's nuclear facilities had been "totally obliterated," a claim Grossi refuted, indicating substantial, yet not total, damage had occurred. The IAEA is grappling with worsening relations with Iran, especially after Iran's parliament voted to suspend cooperation with the agency, accusing it of siding with US and Israeli interests.
On the diplomatic front, Grossi expressed hope for future negotiations, stating that a long-term solution must ultimately be diplomatic. However, Tehran has sent mixed messages regarding the damage sustained from the airstrikes, with Iranian officials portraying varying degrees of impact, from "no significant damage" to "excessive and serious damage."
Amidst these developments, the ceasefire between Iran and Israel remains tenuous, with Iranian military officials voicing skepticism about Israel's commitment to peace. As the situation evolves, the potential for Iran’s nuclear capabilities to accelerate has implications not only for regional stability but also for global security.
The contentious 2015 nuclear deal, which restricted Iran's uranium enrichment to levels suitable for civilian use, was effectively dismantled by Trump when sanctions were reinstated, prompting Iran to enrich uranium beyond the agreed limits. Iran's current stockpile includes enough material to theoretically produce nine nuclear weapons, heightening international concern over its nuclear intentions and the overall threat to peace in the region.
In the wake of these strikes, former President Donald Trump controversially stated that Iran's nuclear facilities had been "totally obliterated," a claim Grossi refuted, indicating substantial, yet not total, damage had occurred. The IAEA is grappling with worsening relations with Iran, especially after Iran's parliament voted to suspend cooperation with the agency, accusing it of siding with US and Israeli interests.
On the diplomatic front, Grossi expressed hope for future negotiations, stating that a long-term solution must ultimately be diplomatic. However, Tehran has sent mixed messages regarding the damage sustained from the airstrikes, with Iranian officials portraying varying degrees of impact, from "no significant damage" to "excessive and serious damage."
Amidst these developments, the ceasefire between Iran and Israel remains tenuous, with Iranian military officials voicing skepticism about Israel's commitment to peace. As the situation evolves, the potential for Iran’s nuclear capabilities to accelerate has implications not only for regional stability but also for global security.
The contentious 2015 nuclear deal, which restricted Iran's uranium enrichment to levels suitable for civilian use, was effectively dismantled by Trump when sanctions were reinstated, prompting Iran to enrich uranium beyond the agreed limits. Iran's current stockpile includes enough material to theoretically produce nine nuclear weapons, heightening international concern over its nuclear intentions and the overall threat to peace in the region.
