UN Chief Warns Iran Could Resume Uranium Enrichment for Nuclear Weapons

Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, warns that Iran has the capability to restart uranium enrichment for nuclear weapons within months, despite damage from recent airstrikes. Discrepancies over the extent of the damage and rising tensions between Iran and Israel mark an uncertain period in geopolitical relations.

The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, has warned that Iran could resume enriching uranium to potentially develop a nuclear bomb within a matter of months. This statement comes in the wake of US-led airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities—Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan—over the weekend, which were said to have caused significant, though not complete, damage. This assertion directly counters former President Donald Trump's claims that all of Iran's nuclear capabilities had been "totally obliterated."

In an interview with CBS News, Grossi highlighted that Iran possesses the "industrial and technological capacities" necessary for uranium enrichment and could soon restart operations at the facilities. While the US strikes reportedly set back Iran’s nuclear program, a leaked Pentagon assessment suggests the impact might be temporary, potentially allowing Iran to quickly regain its nuclear capabilities.

The conflict's aftermath saw heightened military tensions, as Iran's armed forces chief of staff, Abdolrahim Mousavi, expressed skepticism over Israel's commitment to a ceasefire. He indicated that Iran remains prepared to respond forcefully to any further aggression. Meanwhile, Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, stated that the airstrikes had not caused significant damage, despite the Iranian foreign minister acknowledging severe repercussions.

The already strained relationship between Iran and the IAEA has worsened, particularly after the Iranian parliament moved to suspend cooperation with the agency, accusing it of bias towards Israel and the US. Grossi has voiced his hope for future negotiations to achieve a long-lasting diplomatic resolution, stressing the need to address the situation constructively.

Under the limits imposed by the 2015 nuclear deal, Iran was forbidden from enriching uranium beyond 3.67% purity—sufficient for civilian nuclear energy but far below what is needed for a bomb—until the agreement was abandoned by Trump in 2018. This led Iran to progressively violate restrictions and resume enrichment at its Fordo facility, with reports indicating they have amassed enough enriched uranium for nine nuclear weapons, according to IAEA assessments. The international community watches closely as Iran navigates its nuclear ambitions amidst rising warfare rhetoric and military actions.