In a stark assessment of the current nuclear standoff, Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has warned that Iran could be capable of enriching uranium again within a matter of months. His statement comes in the aftermath of recent coordinated airstrikes by the United States and Israel, which targeted key Iranian nuclear sites including Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan.
Despite the considerable physical damage inflicted by the strikes, Grossi emphasized that Iran’s technical infrastructure and human expertise remain largely intact. In an interview with CBS News, he remarked, “You can destroy buildings, but you cannot erase knowledge.” He cautioned that the setbacks Iran faced are not long-term impediments, and that the Islamic Republic retains the scientific capability to reinitiate uranium enrichment activities swiftly if it chooses to do so.
One of the main concerns centers on Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium. Prior to the strikes, Iran had amassed uranium enriched up to 60%, just below the 90% threshold needed for a nuclear weapon. Grossi noted that it is currently unclear whether this material was destroyed during the attacks or secretly relocated. “Some of the enriched uranium might have been hidden or moved elsewhere,” he said, stressing the urgency for verification.
Adding to the opacity, Iran has halted cooperation with the IAEA in recent weeks. Since the strikes, no inspectors have been allowed to re-enter key sites, raising further concerns about transparency and the status of Iran's nuclear program. Grossi made clear that restoring access to these facilities is a top priority. “Without inspection, the world is flying blind,” he warned.
These developments come amid a larger geopolitical backdrop where Western powers, particularly the U.S. and Israel, have attempted to curtail Iran’s nuclear ambitions through both diplomacy and military intervention. While officials in both countries claim that the airstrikes delayed Iran’s program significantly some even suggesting a setback of “decades” Grossi’s remarks challenge that narrative. His agency estimates that the actual delay could be only a few months, especially if Iran chooses to ramp up efforts covertly.
Grossi’s candid warning underscores the limitations of military solutions in halting nuclear proliferation. He reiterated that any lasting resolution must involve robust diplomatic engagement and verified compliance through international inspection regimes. “Ultimately, this is a political issue with a technical dimension, not the other way around,” he said.
With tensions high and mutual distrust deepening, the future of Iran’s nuclear path remains uncertain. However, one thing is increasingly clear: time is short, and the window for diplomatic re-engagement may be rapidly closing. The international community now faces the difficult task of balancing pressure with diplomacy in order to avert a full-scale nuclear crisis in the Middle East.