IAEA Chief Warns Iran Weeks Away from Enough Uranium for Nuclear Bomb

Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), is set to visit Iran on May 6-7 amid rising tensions between Iran and Israel. The visit comes as Grossi warns that Iran is "weeks rather than months away from enriching enough uranium for a bomb," posing a threat not only to Israel but to the entire world.

Why this matters: The prospect of Iran acquiring anuclear bomb has far-reaching implications for global security and stability, and could spark a nuclear arms race in the Middle East. If left unchecked, it could lead to devastating consequences, including nuclear conflict and widespread humanitarian crises.

Grossi's visit to Iran will focus on diplomacy and encouraging Iran to cooperate more with the IAEA. "Iran should cooperate more," Grossi stated. "I will be there to try to put things back on track if [the Iranians] want to be believed... We need to verify. We need to be able to have unfettered access... If they don't have anything to hide, as they say so vehemently, why [are] they not cooperating with us the way they should?"

The IAEA has expressed concerns about Iran's growing uranium enrichment program, which Grossi says is "weeks rather than months" away from producing enough material for a nuclear bomb. Iran claims the enriched uranium is for medical or other civilian purposes, but Grossi questions the need for such amounts and enrichment levels for those stated purposes.

Tensions between Iran and Israel have escalated in recent weeks. Iran launched a drone and missile attack on Israel, reportedly targeting the Dimona nuclear reactor. Israel responded by destroying radar systems at a missile site that protects the Natanz uranium enrichment plant in Iran. "Attacking nuclear facilities is an absolute no-go," Grossi warned.

Grossi's previous visit to Iran in March 2023 resulted in a three-part statement on collaboration on outstanding safeguards issues, but Tehran failed to implement its commitments. The IAEA Board of Governors is set to review the latest report from inspectors at its next meeting in Vienna on June 3-7. Grossi has criticized Iran's restrictions on IAEA inspectors, which has increased speculation about advances in the country's nuclear program.

The IAEA chairman's warning comes as the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) has"all but disintegrated,"according to Grossi. The IAEA's mission is to encourage the peaceful use of nuclear technology and police the system of safeguards that member states accept to ensure that technology is not used for military purposes. With Iran edging closer to possessing enough enriched uranium for a nuclear bomb, Grossi's visit and the international community's response will be critical in the coming weeks.

Key Takeaways

• Rafael Grossi, IAEA head, to visit Iran on May 6-7 amid rising tensions with Israel.
• Iran is "weeks away" from enriching enough uranium for a nuclear bomb, warns Grossi.
• Grossi's visit aims to encourage Iran's cooperation with IAEA and prevent nuclear arms race.
• Tensions between Iran and Israel have escalated, with recent drone and missile attacks.
• IAEA Board of Governors to review latest report on Iran's nuclear program on June 3-7.