The head of the UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, has warned that Iran could resume enriching uranium to levels suitable for a nuclear bomb within months, despite recent US and Israeli airstrikes targeting its nuclear infrastructure. Grossi stated that while the strikes caused significant damage, Iran’s nuclear knowledge and much of its industrial capacity remain intact, allowing the country to potentially restart enrichment activities rapidly if it chooses. He emphasized that “you cannot undo the knowledge that you have, or the capacities that you have,” highlighting the resilience of Iran’s nuclear expertise and infrastructure.

On June 13, Israel launched a series of strikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites, claiming the action was necessary to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon—a charge Tehran has consistently denied. The United States soon joined the campaign, bombing three key facilities associated with Iran’s atomic program. While Iranian officials acknowledged the damage as “serious,” the full extent remains unclear, and former US President Donald Trump’s assertion that Iran’s nuclear program was set back “decades” has been contradicted by Grossi and recent intelligence assessments.

A major concern raised by the IAEA is the fate of Iran’s estimated 408.6-kilogram stockpile of uranium enriched to 60% purity—well above civilian use requirements but below weapons grade. The agency does not know whether this material was destroyed in the attacks or relocated to undisclosed sites, raising questions about Iran’s current capabilities and intentions. If further enriched, this stockpile could theoretically be sufficient for more than nine nuclear bombs.

Grossi also revealed that unexplained traces of enriched uranium have been found at undeclared sites in Iran, and the IAEA has not received credible answers regarding their origin or current location. He stressed that military action alone cannot provide a definitive solution, advocating for renewed diplomatic engagement and robust inspection systems to address the ongoing nuclear risks.