Iran could enrich uranium within months: Grossi

Iran could produce enriched uranium within just a few months, casting doubt on the effectiveness of recent US airstrikes intended to dismantle Tehran’s nuclear program, Rafael Grossi, Director General of the United Nations' International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said in an interview airing today, June 29.

US officials have claimed that the strikes wiped out key nuclear sites in Iran. However, President Donald Trump stated on June 27 that he would consider launching further strikes if Iran enriches uranium to concerning levels.

The capabilities they have are still there. They could within months—let’s say a few cascades of centrifuges spinning and producing enriched uranium—or even less, Grossi said in an interview with CBS News.

Frankly, one cannot claim that everything is gone and nothing remains," he added, according to excerpts from the interview.

Earlier this month, Israel launched strikes against Iran, saying the aim was to eliminate any chance for Tehran to develop nuclear weapons. This triggered a 12-day air war that the United States eventually joined.

Iran insists that its nuclear program is solely for peaceful purposes.

Grossi noted that the attacks on the Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan sites had significantly impaired Iran’s ability to process and enrich uranium.

However, Western powers argue that Iran’s nuclear progress has given it an irreversible level of knowledge. They point out that while the loss of experts or facilities may slow progress, it cannot stop it entirely.

Iran is a very advanced country in terms of nuclear technology… so you cannot erase that. You cannot erase the knowledge or the capabilities they already possess, Grossi stated.

When asked about reports that Iran moved its stockpile of highly enriched uranium before the US strikes, Grossi responded that the exact location of the material is unclear.

Some of it may have been destroyed in the attack, but some may have been relocated, he said.