UN Nuclear Watchdog Chief Warns Iran Could Resume Uranium Enrichment Within Months

IAEA Director General Raises Concerns Over Iran's Nuclear Program

June 29, 2025 – The head of the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog, Rafael Grossi, cautioned on Saturday that Iran could resume uranium enrichment at weapons-grade levels within a "matter of months" if it chooses to do so. The statement comes amid fresh diplomatic tensions and stalled negotiations over Iran’s nuclear activities.

Speaking at a press briefing in Vienna, Grossi, who leads the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), underscored the organization’s growing concerns about Iran’s technical capabilities and the lack of comprehensive monitoring.

Reduced Oversight Raises Alarm

Since early 2023, Iran has gradually limited access for IAEA inspectors and reduced its cooperation with monitoring protocols established under the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The JCPOA, designed to limit Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief, has been effectively dormant since the United States withdrew in 2018 and talks to revive it have repeatedly stalled.

"Iran retains the knowledge and infrastructure to rapidly increase its uranium enrichment," Grossi stated. "If the political decision is made, the technical process could advance to weapons-grade enrichment within a matter of months."

International Reactions

Grossi’s comments have sparked renewed calls from Western governments for Iran to return to full compliance with international nuclear agreements. The United States and European Union issued joint statements urging Tehran to allow full access to its nuclear facilities and resume cooperation with the IAEA.

• United States: The Biden administration reiterated its commitment to diplomacy but warned that "all options remain on the table" to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon.
• European Union: EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell called for "urgent de-escalation and transparency" in Iran’s nuclear activities.
• Middle East: Israel and Gulf states have expressed deep concern, with Israeli officials emphasizing the need for international unity to deter Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

Iran’s Position

Iran maintains that its nuclear program is strictly for peaceful purposes and has accused the IAEA of politicizing the issue. Iranian officials have repeatedly insisted that enrichment activities remain within legal limits, although recent IAEA reports indicate production of uranium enriched to levels just below weapons-grade thresholds.

Outlook and Next Steps

The IAEA Board of Governors is scheduled to convene an emergency session next week to discuss the situation. Grossi emphasized that dialogue remains essential, stating, "Diplomatic engagement is the only sustainable path forward to address mutual concerns and ensure regional stability."

As geopolitical tensions rise, the international community is closely watching developments in Iran’s nuclear program, with many experts warning that the window for a diplomatic resolution is rapidly narrowing.