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The United Nations' nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has warned that Iran could resume enriching uranium to levels suitable for a nuclear bomb within months. This follows recent U.S. military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, which President Donald Trump claimed had "totally obliterated" Iran's nuclear capabilities. However, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi stated that the strikes caused severe but not total damage, and Iran retains the capability to restart its nuclear program quickly.
Grossi, in an interview with Face the Nation, emphasized that Iran's industrial and technological capacities remain intact, allowing them to resume uranium enrichment if desired. He noted that Iran's nuclear program is sophisticated and that the country has the knowledge and infrastructure to continue its ambitions.
The Pentagon's Defense Intelligence Agency initially assessed that the U.S. strikes only set back Iran's nuclear program by months. Despite President Trump's assertions, the IAEA has not confirmed that Iran was on the verge of developing nuclear weapons before the strikes.
The situation has heightened tensions in the Middle East, with Iran's parliament passing a bill to halt cooperation with the U.N. nuclear watchdog. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also indicated the country might reconsider its membership in the Non-Proliferation Treaty, which prohibits developing nuclear weapons.
Grossi stressed the importance of resuming discussions between the IAEA and Iran to ensure international inspectors can continue their work in the country. He highlighted the need for a technically sound solution to address the ongoing concerns about Iran's nuclear activities.