The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has raised alarming concerns over Iran's uranium enrichment capabilities, stating that the country could resume enriching uranium to weapon-grade levels within months. This assertion follows recent military strikes on Iranian facilities by the US and Israel, which, despite causing notable damage, have not halted Iran’s nuclear program. The IAEA’s Director General Rafael Grossi emphasized that Iran retains the necessary technology and expertise to commence enrichment, potentially leading to a nuclear bomb.
Iran's Uranium Enrichment Capacity Could Advance Rapidly, Warns UN Nuclear Chief
Iran's Uranium Enrichment Capacity Could Advance Rapidly, Warns UN Nuclear Chief
As tensions escalate, the head of the IAEA warns Iran's nuclear ambitions could reignite.
The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, indicated that Iran may be capable of enriching uranium for potential weaponization within a few months. This caution comes in the wake of military strikes on Iranian nuclear sites executed by the US and Israel, which sought to diminish Iran's nuclear capabilities. Grossi reported that while the attacks caused significant, they were not entirely effective, contradicting claims made by former President Donald Trump about the complete destruction of these facilities.
In a recent CBS News interview, Grossi underlined Iran's enduring ability to produce enriched uranium, noting that the nation possesses both the industrial capacity and technological know-how to reinstate its enrichment activities. He pointed out that past assessments, including a Pentagon report, suggested that Iran’s nuclear program may only face delays rather than an outright end.
Amid mounting tensions, both Iran and Israel have momentarily agreed to a ceasefire. However, the political landscape remains fraught with uncertainty. Iranian military leadership has expressed skepticism about Israel's commitment to the ceasefire, warning of potential military responses if provoked further. Domestic reactions in Iran have been mixed, with elements of the government downplaying the damage inflicted during military operations while others cite substantial implications.
The relationship between Iran and the IAEA has become increasingly strained, especially following Iran's parliamentary decision to suspend cooperation with the watchdog, accusing it of partiality toward Israel and the US. Impeding inspections requested by the IAEA further complicates the fragile diplomatic balance. Grossi remains hopeful for negotiations despite Iran's clear resistance to dialogue, emphasizing the need for a diplomatic resolution to the heightened tensions stemming from military engagements.
Iran's fortified stance on its nuclear ambitions follows its withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear agreement after Trump reinstated several sanctions that had been lifted under the accord. With the nation now enriching uranium at higher purity levels, experts project that Iran could potentially amass sufficient material for multiple nuclear bombs. As the international community closely monitors developments, the specter of an emboldened Iranian nuclear program looms large, elevating the urgency for diplomatic intervention.
