Despite recent U.S. airstrikes aimed at derailing Iran’s nuclear capabilities, the head of the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog has warned that Tehran could be back to enriching uranium within months.
Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), told CBS that the strikes, while damaging, failed to completely destroy Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.
“They can have, in a matter of months, a few cascades of centrifuges spinning and producing enriched uranium,” he stated. “It is clear that there has been severe damage, but it’s not total damage.”
According to a report by CBS, Grossi’s assessment contradicts claims by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who had boasted that the strikes had set Iran’s nuclear ambitions back by decades. But intelligence from the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency also supports Grossi’s view — suggesting the operation only delayed Iran’s progress for a limited time.
The 12-day military conflict began when Israel launched air raids, which it said were to stop Tehran’s alleged pursuit of nuclear weapons. Iran has continuously stated that its nuclear program is purely peaceful. Following this, the U.S. carried out targeted strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites before a ceasefire agreement was reached.
Grossi also addressed growing concerns that Iran might have moved its stockpile of enriched uranium in anticipation of the attacks. “It’s logical to presume that when they announce protective measures, this could be part of it,” he explained. “But we don’t know where this material could be.”
He clarified that the IAEA has not found any current evidence of Iran actively working on a nuclear weapon. However, Grossi emphasized that there are still unresolved questions about traces of uranium found at previously undeclared locations. “We were simply not getting credible answers,” he said.
In a troubling development, Iran’s parliament is reportedly moving to suspend cooperation with the IAEA. There are even discussions about withdrawing from the Non-Proliferation Treaty — an international accord that bans member countries from developing nuclear weapons.
Grossi stressed the critical importance of keeping international inspections in place. “This situation remains fragile, and the need for transparency is more urgent than ever,” he concluded.
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