ISLAMABAD (PEN) : The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has raised concerns that Iran retains the capability to restart uranium enrichment within months, challenging claims by US President Donald Trump that recent airstrikes had entirely dismantled Tehran’s nuclear infrastructure.
IAEA Director General’s Cautious Assessment
Rafael Grossi, Director General of the IAEA, told reporters on Sunday that although the US strikes caused “severe damage” to Iran’s nuclear facilities, the core infrastructure remains intact. “The capacities they have are there,” Grossi said. “They can have, in a matter of months, a few cascades of centrifuges spinning and producing enriched uranium… One cannot claim that everything has disappeared.”
These remarks come amid ongoing debate over the actual impact of the US-led strikes, which targeted key Iranian nuclear sites following an Israeli offensive that lasted 12 days. While President Trump has insisted the operation “completely and totally obliterated” Iran’s nuclear programme, international and US officials have presented a more measured view.
Questions Over Transparency and Oversight
Grossi underscored the importance of renewed international monitoring and urged Iran to restore full cooperation with the IAEA. “Until recently, we had good visibility into their declared facilities,” he said, noting unresolved concerns about uranium traces found at undeclared sites where Iran has not provided credible explanations.
“We didn’t see a programme aiming directly at weapons,” Grossi clarified. “But at the same time, there were very important questions they weren’t answering.”
Reports have also indicated that some enriched uranium may have been moved prior to the strikes, a scenario Iranian officials have alluded to privately. However, President Trump has dismissed such claims, insisting no advance warning was given to Tehran. Grossi did not confirm these movements but acknowledged it is “logical to presume” protective steps could include relocating sensitive materials.
Call for Diplomacy and Verification
Warning against overconfidence, Grossi described the situation as precarious, saying, “This hourglass approach to dealing with weapons of mass destruction is not a good idea.” He emphasized that Iran’s nuclear capabilities could be reactivated rapidly if political conditions allowed.
In recent months, Tehran has reduced cooperation with international monitoring agencies, raising alarms about the weakening of oversight mechanisms previously established under the 2015 nuclear agreement.
“The only sustainable way forward is through verification, transparency, and dialogue,” Grossi concluded.
US Response
Washington has yet to officially respond to Grossi’s latest comments. However, a senior US official reaffirmed confidence in the effectiveness of the strikes, stating, “The difference between Iran’s nuclear programme before and after the operation is night and day.”
