The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, has indicated that Iran could resume uranium enrichment suitable for potential nuclear weapons within “a matter of months.” This assessment follows recent military actions involving the US and Israel targeting Iranian nuclear and military sites.
Grossi refuted claims made by former President Trump that Iran’s nuclear facilities had been “totally obliterated,” noting that the bombings caused significant but incomplete damage. Grossi remarked that Iran retained its “industrial and technological capacities,” allowing it to resume uranium enrichment relatively quickly.
The IAEA’s findings align with a Pentagon intelligence report, suggesting that the US strikes would only delay Iran’s nuclear ambitions by a few months. Statements from Iran’s leaders have been contradictory; while some, like Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, downplayed the damage, others including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi acknowledged substantial harm inflicted.
Relations between Iran and the IAEA have soured, especially after Iran’s parliament considered suspending collaboration with the agency. Despite the tensions, Grossi expressed a desire to engage diplomatically with Iran. The backdrop to the situation is the 2015 nuclear deal, which restricted Iran’s enrichment activities—limitations that were loosened after the US exited the agreement in 2018 and reinstated sanctions.
Source: www.bbc.com
