Iran Could Resume Uranium Enrichment in Just Months, Warns UN Nuclear Watchdog Chief | CNN

The recent US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites have stirred significant debate. Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), stated that these strikes did not severely cripple Iran’s nuclear capabilities. He claimed Iran might resume enriching uranium within months, contradicting claims from former President Trump that the strikes would set Iran back by decades.

An initial assessment from the Pentagon echoed Grossi’s concerns. It suggested the airstrikes had minimal impact on Iran’s nuclear program, primarily delaying it by a few months instead of dismantling it completely. Trump insisted these actions had “completely obliterated” Iran’s nuclear ambitions, but military officials have not provided evidence to back this claim.

The conflict began with Israel’s attacks aimed at preventing Iran from potentially developing nuclear weapons. Iran has consistently maintained that its nuclear program serves peaceful purposes. Following the US strikes on June 22, analysts and military experts have questioned the effectiveness of these operations. Republican lawmakers have also acknowledged that the strikes didn’t eliminate all nuclear materials in Iran.

Grossi noted the severity of the damage but stressed that significant capabilities remain intact. He indicated that if Iran decides to pursue its program further, it could quickly start enriching uranium again. This comes amid broader scrutiny of Iran’s nuclear intentions and operations.

As Grossi discussed on CBS, past attempts to verify Iran’s nuclear activities raised concerns. The IAEA has long sought answers regarding the presence of enriched uranium found in undisclosed locations in Iran. Without credible responses, doubts about Iran’s nuclear goals linger.

Current events underline the fragility of international nuclear agreements. Iran’s parliament recently passed a bill suspending cooperation with the IAEA. Additionally, Iranian officials suggested they might reconsider their commitment to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), which is crucial for global nuclear oversight.

Overall, the tense situation highlights the ongoing complexities of nuclear non-proliferation efforts and the challenges that come with maintaining peace in a volatile region.

For further details, you can explore the IAEA’s insights on nuclear safeguards and the global implications of Iran’s nuclear activities here.

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