IAEA chief warns Iran could quickly build nuclear bomb

Iran now possesses enough highly enriched uranium to produce a nuclear weapon “very swiftly,” according to Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). 

In an interview with the Financial Times, Grossi said that although Tehran does not yet have a nuclear bomb, it has amassed a stockpile of uranium enriched to 60 percent purity — a level just below weapons-grade, Caliber.Az reports.

“Iran doesn’t have a nuclear weapon at this moment, but it has the material,” Grossi warned. The latest IAEA report highlights growing concerns as Iran continues to limit access for international inspectors and expand its enrichment capabilities.

The situation has become increasingly urgent. While diplomatic efforts are underway — with Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff reopening talks with Tehran — rising tensions threaten to derail negotiations. 

“The Iranian thing has incredible potential to become catastrophic. If there is a failure in negotiation, this will imply most probably military action,” Grossi said.

He added that any Israeli attempt to destroy Iran’s nuclear infrastructure would face major challenges. 

“The most sensitive things are half a mile underground — I have been there many times,” he said. “To get there you take a spiral tunnel down, down, down.”

Grossi expressed cautious optimism over the renewed dialogue between US and Iranian officials, noting that outlines of a new agreement have been discussed. However, the prospect of progress remains uncertain, as recent belligerent statements from both Trump and Iran’s Supreme Leader have heightened the risk of escalation.

By Sabina Mammadli