Rafael Grossi, the International Atomic Energy Agency's chief, states that Iran could restart uranium enrichment for nuclear weapons in a few months, raising alarms amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Iran May Resume Uranium Enrichment for Potential Bomb in Months, Warns UN Nuclear Chief
Iran May Resume Uranium Enrichment for Potential Bomb in Months, Warns UN Nuclear Chief
UN nuclear watchdog's head expresses concerns over Iran's nuclear capabilities following recent military strikes and escalating tensions.
Rafael Grossi, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), assessed that Iran could potentially restart uranium enrichment aimed at nuclear weapons within a few months. This alarming statement follows recent military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iranian nuclear and military sites, purportedly due to concerns over Iran edging closer to building a nuclear weapon. Grossi contradicted former President Donald Trump’s characterization of the strikes as “totally obliterating” Iran's nuclear facilities, asserting that “one cannot claim that everything has disappeared.”
The military actions, which took place on June 13, targeted key facilities in Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan. Grossi emphasized that Iran retains the capacity to produce enriched uranium, remarking that if Tehran chooses to resume enrichment, they could have “a few cascades of centrifuges spinning.” This assertion aligns with recent Pentagon intelligence assessments, which suggest that the strikes only postponed Iran's nuclear ambitions temporarily.
Amid rising tensions, Iran has expressed mixed reactions to the strikes. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei remarked that the strikes yielded no significant damage, while Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi characterized the impact as "excessive and serious." This discord is mirrored in Iran's relationships with international bodies like the IAEA, which have worsened after Iran’s parliament voted to suspend cooperation in reaction to perceived bias towards Israel and the United States.
The backdrop of these developments is the 2015 nuclear deal that limited Iran’s uranium enrichment. The agreement was invalidated by Trump in 2018, who criticized it for insufficient measures against nuclear proliferation. In retaliation, Iran began breaching the deal’s restrictions, including resuming enrichment at the Fordo facility, and has amassed significant quantities of highly enriched uranium.
Despite the deteriorating situation, Grossi remains hopeful about future negotiations with Tehran. He stated that diplomatic solutions must ultimately resolve the tensions following military confrontations. Meanwhile, Trump has indicated a willingness to consider more military action if intelligence indicates significant advancements in Iran's uranium enrichment capabilities, raising concerns about the potential for further escalation in the region.
