Nuclear Shadows Return: UN Warns Iran Still Capable of Restarting Enrichment Program

International News: Despite U.S. and Israeli strikes on its nuclear sites, Iran still has the technical capability to restart uranium enrichment within months, warns IAEA chief Rafael Grossi. While infrastructure was damaged, Iran’s scientific expertise remains intact, raising fresh concerns over its nuclear ambitions.

IAEA Chief’s Alarming Statement

Although the recent conflict between Israel and Iran has come to a halt, the threat of a nuclear escalation remains dangerously alive. In a major development, Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has warned that Iran still possesses the technical capacity to restart uranium enrichment within months. This statement directly contradicts claims made by the U.S. and Israel, who had earlier asserted that their airstrikes had severely crippled Iran's nuclear infrastructure.

Damage Done, But Intent Remains Intact

While American and Israeli forces reportedly caused significant damage to several Iranian nuclear facilities during airstrikes, Grossi clarified that the damage was not comprehensive enough to eliminate Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Speaking to CBS News, he noted, “Nobody can say everything is gone. The infrastructure may have been hit, but the capabilities remain.” Grossi highlighted that Iran could activate multiple centrifuges and begin enriching uranium again if it chooses to do so. This paints a worrisome picture for international peace and security.

Iran’s Expertise Still Intact

Although some facilities may have been damaged, Iran's nuclear scientific expertise is largely unaffected. Grossi emphasized that Iran's technical teams still retain the know-how to enrich uranium up to 60% purity—a level alarmingly close to the 90% threshold required for nuclear weapons development. This revelation underscores the fact that Iran could return to full-scale enrichment in a matter of months, if not weeks, raising fresh concerns for global security watchdogs.

Trump’s Threat and Israel’s Demand Intensify Pressure

Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump reignited the debate by stating that if necessary, he would have “no hesitation” in ordering fresh bombings on Iran’s nuclear sites. This hardline stance has fueled tensions further. Adding to the pressure, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz recently demanded that Iran return all highly enriched uranium. Katz warned that Iran had already enriched uranium up to 60%, and crossing the 90% mark would make it capable of building a nuclear bomb—something Israel considers an existential threat.

Tensions Persist Despite Ceasefire

Though military operations have paused, the geopolitical atmosphere remains charged. The mistrust between Israel and Iran is far from over, and international observers are closely monitoring Tehran’s next moves. The UN’s nuclear watchdog fears Iran may soon return to the same aggressive enrichment path it followed prior to the 2015 nuclear deal. Such a move could reignite fresh conflict and push the Middle East into another volatile phase.

The UN’s warning makes it clear that military strikes alone cannot permanently stop Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Only sustained diplomatic engagement and a renewed nuclear agreement can offer a viable solution.