Washington: A new warning from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has sparked international alarm, revealing that Iran could be just months away from resuming enriched uranium production, potentially putting it on the brink of nuclear weapons capability. The statement, made by IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi, contradicts claims by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who recently asserted that American strikes had “completely destroyed” Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.
According to Grossi, while some facilities were damaged in the recent U.S.-Israel offensive, Iran’s overall nuclear framework remains intact. “If Iran decides to restart, it has the technical and industrial means to resume uranium enrichment in a matter of months,” Grossi said. He noted that Iran still possesses the necessary scientific knowledge, centrifuge capacity, and infrastructure to revive its program rapidly.
Missing Uranium Raises Red Flags
In a more disturbing development, the IAEA recently raised concerns that over 400 kilograms of enriched uranium — enough to potentially produce more than nine nuclear bombs — may have been relocated by Iran prior to the airstrikes. This uranium was enriched up to 60%, just short of weapons-grade levels.
The whereabouts of the material are currently unknown, and Grossi admitted, “Some of it may have been destroyed, but we suspect a significant portion has been preserved. Iran is not cooperating at this stage, and access to key facilities like Fordow has been denied.”
Iran Cuts Ties with IAEA
Following a ceasefire with Israel, Iran’s parliament passed a resolution terminating formal cooperation with the IAEA, further heightening concerns over transparency. Iran rejected the agency’s request to inspect its nuclear sites, raising suspicions about undisclosed operations or relocations.
Trump Fires Back
Former President Donald Trump reacted strongly to the IAEA’s revelations, calling Iran’s continued nuclear potential “a disaster waiting to happen.” “I spared their Supreme Leader once — that won’t happen again,” Trump said, referring to a previous Israeli plan to assassinate Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, which he claims to have vetoed. He also warned, “If needed, we will strike again — without hesitation.”
Trump’s remarks came after earlier indications that he was reconsidering lifting some sanctions on Iran. However, those considerations now appear to be off the table.
Iran Responds
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded via X (formerly Twitter), stating, “If President Trump truly wants a nuclear deal, he must stop using disrespectful language against our Supreme Leader.” Araghchi’s post came hours after Trump retracted his tentative offer to reopen negotiations, deepening the diplomatic standoff.
Global Implications
The IAEA’s findings and the renewed rhetoric from Washington raise serious questions about nuclear stability in the Middle East. With Iran severing oversight ties and global powers trading threats, diplomatic channels appear strained — increasing fears of a renewed conflict in the region.
