IAEA Chief Says Iran Could Restart Uranium Enrichment Within Months

Rafael Grossi, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has said that Iran may be able to restart its uranium enrichment program within a few months. 

Speaking in an interview with CBS News, Grossi noted that although recent US attacks caused significant damage to Iran’s nuclear facilities, they were not entirely destroyed. According to a BBC report, Iran still retains enough capability to resume parts of its nuclear program if it chooses to.

Grossi’s remarks come in contrast to former US President Donald Trump’s claims. Trump had stated that the American strikes had completely “wiped out” Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. However, Grossi emphasized that while damage was done, Iran’s nuclear sites like Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan were not fully eliminated.

On June 13, Israel launched an airstrike targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities in Tehran, citing concerns that Iran was getting dangerously close to developing a nuclear weapon. Following this, the US conducted its own strikes on major nuclear sites. The full extent of the destruction is still uncertain.

Iran responded to both attacks, further escalating tensions in the region. However, recent diplomatic efforts have led to a temporary ceasefire between Iran and Israel, offering a brief period of calm amid the uncertainty.