VIENNA, Austria — The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency has cast doubt on the effectiveness of recent U.S. military strikes aimed at Iran’s nuclear program, stating that Iran could resume uranium enrichment within months. This assessment contrasts sharply with claims made by U.S. officials, including President Donald Trump, who have suggested that the strikes crippled Tehran’s nuclear ambitions for decades.
Rafael Grossi, the IAEA’s director general, pointed out that while the U.S. strikes caused significant damage to Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, they did not obliterate its capabilities. Grossi’s remarks follow preliminary evaluations from the Pentagon’s Defense Intelligence Agency indicating that the strikes merely delayed Iran’s nuclear activities by a few months rather than completely dismantling them.
The military conflict between Israel and Iran escalated earlier this month when Israel launched a series of targeted attacks, asserting the need to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Iran has consistently maintained that its nuclear activities are intended for peaceful purposes. The U.S. subsequently targeted three significant nuclear sites before a ceasefire took effect, prompting intense debate over the actual impact of the strikes.
Information released by U.S. military officials has highlighted aspects of the planning behind the strikes but has failed to provide conclusive evidence about their effectiveness in diminishing Iran’s nuclear capabilities. From classified briefings, Republican lawmakers have acknowledged that some nuclear materials likely remain intact but argue that the strikes were not designed to eliminate all of Iran’s nuclear resources.
Responding to the differing evaluations, Grossi noted, “The capacities they have are still there. In a matter of months, we could see a few cascades of centrifuges spinning and producing enriched uranium.” He emphasized that it would be misleading to claim that Iran’s nuclear capabilities had completely vanished.
Grossi further elaborated on the Agency’s position regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions, highlighting unresolved questions about its activities. While the IAEA has not confirmed that Iran is pursuing nuclear weapons, Grossi noted that certain critical inquiries remain unanswered, raising concerns about transparency.
The U.S. assessment suggested that Iran may have relocated enriched uranium before the strikes occurred. However, Grossi remarked that while such a move is plausible, the exact whereabouts of Iran’s nuclear materials remain uncertain. He emphasized the need for the IAEA to have regular access to Iran to monitor its nuclear activities more effectively.
Iran’s parliament recently advanced legislation that could halt cooperation with international nuclear oversight. The country’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, also hinted at the possibility of Iran reconsidering its position within the Non-Proliferation Treaty if tensions continue to escalate.
With the geopolitical landscape in flux, both the U.S. and Iranian responses will be crucial in shaping the future of nuclear non-proliferation efforts in the region. As discussions continue regarding access and oversight, the international community remains watchful of Iran’s next steps in its nuclear endeavors.