During an interview with CBS News, Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), warned that Iran could rapidly rebuild its nuclear program following recent airstrikes by the US and Israel on its facilities, despite the significant damage inflicted by the attacks. Grossi indicated that while the strikes on key nuclear sites such as Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan caused substantial damage, some infrastructure remains operational and could be quickly restored. He emphasized that Iran’s technical and industrial capabilities are still intact, enabling the country to resume uranium enrichment activities within months.
Grossi’s comments were particularly notable for their cautionary tone, as he pointed out that Iran has the knowledge and capacity to restart its nuclear program without facing any major obstacles. He stated, “You cannot disinvent Tehran’s technical and industrial capabilities. You cannot undo the knowledge that you have or the capacities that you have.” This assessment suggests that even if some facilities were damaged, Iran could quickly reestablish its enrichment infrastructure, potentially within a matter of months.
According to Grossi, military action alone cannot resolve the nuclear issue, and any attempt to halt Iran’s nuclear program through force would be temporary at best. He highlighted the need for long-term diplomatic solutions, suggesting that a comprehensive agreement is necessary to address the concerns of all parties involved. “I think this should be the incentive that we all must have to understand that you are not going to solve this in a definitive way militarily,” he said. “You are going to have an agreement.”
Meanwhile, tensions remain high following the recent 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran, where the US and Israel launched airstrikes against Iranian nuclear facilities. Iran has accused the IAEA of distorting facts in a recent report, which it claims justified the strikes. Grossi responded by questioning the credibility of such a claim, stating that “what was in that report was not new.”
Adding to the complexity of the situation, US President Donald Trump has claimed that the airstrikes “completely obliterated” Iran’s nuclear facilities, warning of further attacks if Iran continues its nuclear ambitions. However, several US media outlets have cast doubt on that assertion, suggesting that the damage to Iran’s nuclear infrastructure was actually limited.
Tehran has consistently denied any intention to develop nuclear weapons, maintaining that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes and that it wants to retain the right to enrich uranium for civilian use. The IAEA chief’s comments have underscored the high stakes involved in the nuclear situation, as Iran’s potential to restart its program quickly could have serious implications for regional stability and international nuclear non-proliferation efforts.