Nuclear Threat: Iran Could Quickly Resume Uranium Enrichment

Uranium Enrichment on Hold – But For How Long?

Iran is not far from once again producing uranium for use in nuclear weapons, warns Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Despite recent US attacks that struck several Iranian nuclear facilities, Iran maintains a significant portion of its nuclear technological infrastructure.

“Frankly, you cannot claim that everything is gone, and there is nothing left,” said Grossi in an interview with CBS News, as reported by the BBC.

With this statement, he contradicted US President Donald Trump, who claimed that Iran’s nuclear program was “completely erased”.

US Attacks Only Delay Iran’s Nuclear Program

On June 13, Israel and the US carried out joint airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, including Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan.

The strikes followed fears that Iran was close to developing nuclear weapons. However, the IAEA’s assessment indicates that the effect of these attacks is only temporary.

“Iran still has the industrial and technological capacity. If they choose to, they could have centrifuges enriching uranium within months again,” Grossi stated.

The IAEA’s assessment is supported by a recent intelligence report from the Pentagon, which also states that the attacks have only set back Iran’s nuclear program by a few months.

Diplomatic Relations Under Pressure

The situation has been further exacerbated by Iran’s decision to cease cooperation with the IAEA after the UN earlier this year criticized the country for violating international non-proliferation agreements.

Despite Iran’s decision to suspend cooperation, Grossi remains hopeful that negotiations are still possible. But time is short—especially since Iran’s technological capacity remains intact and poised to potentially create a new nuclear threat. At the same time, President Trump has stated that he does not rule out another attack on Iran if the US feels that they are attempting to enrich uranium to a level that can be used for military purposes.

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