The head of the UN’s nuclear watchdog has cautioned that Iran still possesses the capability to resume uranium enrichment within months, challenging US President Donald Trump’s assertion that American strikes had “completely dismantled” Tehran’s nuclear programme.
Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), stated that while the recent strikes caused “severe damage” to Iranian nuclear facilities, they failed to eliminate the programme’s core infrastructure. “The capacities they have are there,” Grossi said, adding that a few centrifuge cascades could resume spinning in a matter of months.
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The comments follow a 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel, during which the US joined Israel in targeting three key Iranian nuclear sites. President Trump later declared the operation had “totally obliterated” Iran’s nuclear capability. However, both international officials and American lawmakers have offered more measured assessments, acknowledging that while damage was significant, not all nuclear materials or capabilities were neutralized.
Grossi also highlighted the IAEA’s growing concern over Iran’s lack of transparency, particularly regarding uranium traces found at undeclared sites. He warned that without renewed international oversight and cooperation from Tehran, Iran’s nuclear potential could be reactivated swiftly if political conditions change.
With Iran now scaling back its cooperation with global monitoring efforts, the IAEA chief urged a return to diplomacy and verification. “The only sustainable path forward is through transparency and dialogue,” he emphasized, warning against premature conclusions about the destruction of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.
