IAEA Warns Iran Nearing Capability to Produce Nuclear Bomb

The head of the United Nations' nuclear watchdog, Rafael Mariano Grossi, has expressed grave concern over Iran's recent nuclear activity, stating that Iran could produce a nuclear bomb within weeks. Grossi noted that Iran has tripled its uranium enrichment level to 60 percent, dangerously close to the weapons-grade threshold of 90 percent. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has also found traces of enriched uranium at sites "that were not intended to be nuclear sites," further heightening concerns.

Iran's total stock of nuclear material now stands at 27 times the limit agreed in the 2015 JCPOA nuclear deal. Grossi cautioned that by the end of 2023, Iran will have enough material enriched to 60% to make three nuclear bombs if it chooses to further enrich the uranium. The IAEA chief plans to travel to Tehran soon to engage in further dialogue with Iran over these pressing issues. However, he expressed frustration that the IAEA is not getting the level of access it needs in Iran, which is fueling speculation about Tehran's true nuclear ambitions.

Why this matters: Iran's rapid progress towards nuclear weapons capability threatens to destabilize the already volatile Middle East region. It also poses a significant challenge to global non-proliferation efforts and could trigger a nuclear arms race among other nations in the area.

The Biden administration has also voiced alarm over Iran's nuclear escalation, emphasizing that Iran has no credible civilian justification for enrichment up to 60 percent. While Iran maintains that its nuclear program is solely for peaceful purposes, the IAEA's findings of enriched uranium at undeclared sites have cast serious doubts on these claims. Grossi stressed the urgent need for Iran to exercise greater transparency to avoid confrontational situations and the potential use of force.

The IAEA chief condemned any notion of attacking nuclear facilities, a concern highlighted by an Iranian lawmaker's claim that Iran is only a one-week gap from the issuance of the order to the first test of a nuclear bomb if instructed to do so by the Supreme Leader. Grossi stated, "The IAEA does not want to repeat the Iraq experience and might refrain from providing credible assurance that Iran's nuclear activities are entirely peaceful if Iran continues to resist transparency and inspection."

Key Takeaways

• IAEA chief warns Iran could produce nuclear bomb within weeks due to uranium enrichment.
• Iran's nuclear material now 27 times the 2015 JCPOA deal limit, raising global concerns.
• Iran's nuclear progress threatens Middle East stability and could trigger regional arms race.
• IAEA seeks greater transparency from Iran to avoid confrontation and potential use of force.
• IAEA may withhold assurance of Iran's peaceful nuclear activities if transparency issues persist.