IAEA says Iran could resume uranium enrichment in a few months

According to Al Jazeera, this statement by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi was made on June 28, just a few days after President Donald Trump affirmed that the US and Israeli attacks had slowed down Iran's nuclear ambitions "for decades".

"Although some of Iran's key nuclear facilities have been attacked, others are still standing. I think Iran can produce enriched uranium within a few months, maybe even sooner," Mr. Grossi said.

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi. Photo: Radio Moldova.

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi also expressed concern about Iran's stockpile of 60% enriched uranium, which is slightly below weapons-grade but could theoretically produce more than nine nuclear bombs if further refined.

Rafael Grossi admitted that the IAEA did not know whether the stockpile had been moved before the airstrike or had been partially destroyed.

Israel launched a preemptive strike on Iran on June 13, citing the need to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. The US then attacked three key Iranian nuclear facilities. The Israel-Iran conflict ended after 12 days when the two sides reached a ceasefire agreement.

Following the attacks, Iran decided to suspend cooperation with the IAEA and refused Mr Grossi's request to inspect facilities, including the underground uranium enrichment plant at Fordow.

Iran's health ministry reported at least 627 civilians killed across the country in the 12-day conflict, while 28 people were killed in Israel in retaliatory strikes carried out by Iran.

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