Iran may potentially reactivate uranium enrichment activities, as per Gross' report.
Iran's Nuclear Capabilities: Still a Threat Despite Strikes
In a matter of months, Iran could re-ignite its uranium enrichment program, according to Rafael Grossi, director of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). This potential resumption comes after tensions over Iran's nuclear ambitions escalated, with Israel and the U.S. launching strikes on Iranian facilities in June.
Despite the destruction of some key facilities, Iran's nuclear capabilities have demonstrated resilience. Fordow, a critical site for uranium enrichment, remains operational, while Natanz—home to two enrichment complexes—has suffered some damage but might still contain functional underground areas.
Explosions at the Isfahan uranium conversion facility should not overshadow the fact that Iran likely possesses clandestine locations where conversion capabilities could still exist. Similarly, strikes on the Sanjaran manufacturing facility may have impinged on Iran's ability to assemble nuclear triggers, but hidden facilities may remain operational.
Iran's estimated hoard of about 400 kg of uranium, enriched to near bomb-grade levels, has vanished, making independent verification challenging. The IAEA, unable to monitor Iran's nuclear activities due to suspensions in cooperation and restricted access, has struggled to pinpoint the exact location of this material.
The ongoing conflict between Iran and the IAEA has severely hampered efforts to verify the whereabouts of nuclear materials, leaving the international community in doubt about the extent of Iran's nuclear arsenal despite the damage inflicted on parts of its program.
The ongoing conflict between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has raised concerns about the resurgence of Iran's nuclear capabilities in general news and politics, as the missing uranium and potential clandestine locations pose challenges for verification. Despite the damage inflicted on certain facilities, the operational status of critical sites like Fordow and Natanz suggests that Iran's nuclear threats may still persist.
