The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, cautioned on June 29, 2025, that Iran’s nuclear program remains largely intact and could resume uranium enrichment in mere months—even after recent U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on its facilities. These strikes targeted key nuclear sites at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, and although they inflicted “severe” damage, they fell short of eliminating Iran’s enrichment capacity.

Grossi emphasized that Iran’s scientific knowledge and technical infrastructure are resilient and cannot be erased. He warned that centrifuge cascades could be reactivated swiftly, allowing enrichment to resume. The location of approximately 400 kg of uranium—enriched to about 60% purity—remains uncertain. Some of the stockpile may have been destroyed during the attacks, while portions may have been relocated beforehand.

Western governments, including the U.S. and Israel, claim the bombings set Iran’s nuclear ambitions back by months or even years. However, analysts, citing leaked intelligence, contend the disruption may only delay progress for a few months.

Grossi underscored the urgency of resuming IAEA inspections in Iran to assess the state of nuclear materials and facilities. He warned that without transparency, uncertainties persist regarding the enrichment capacity and risks of proliferation.