Fact Check: "Iran could restart enriched uranium production in just months, IAEA chief warns."
What We Know
The claim that Iran could restart enriched uranium production in just months has been substantiated by Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Grossi stated that Iran has the capacity to begin enriching uranium again "in a matter of months," despite recent military strikes by the United States and Israel that targeted Iranian nuclear facilities (Reuters, BBC). He emphasized that the damage caused by these strikes was significant but not total, contradicting claims made by former President Donald Trump that Iran's nuclear capabilities were "totally obliterated" (BBC, Al Jazeera).
Grossi noted that Iran still possesses the "industrial and technological capacities" necessary for uranium enrichment, indicating that if Tehran decides to proceed, it can do so relatively quickly (CNN). This assertion aligns with earlier assessments from various intelligence sources, including a leaked Pentagon report suggesting that the strikes only set back Iran's nuclear program by a few months (BBC).
Analysis
The reliability of the sources reporting on Grossi's statements is high, as they include reputable news organizations such as Reuters, BBC, Al Jazeera, and CNN, all of which have a history of accurate reporting on international affairs and nuclear issues. The IAEA itself is a credible authority on nuclear non-proliferation and monitoring, further bolstering the validity of Grossi's claims (Reuters, BBC, Al Jazeera).
Critically, while Grossi's statements are based on the current technological capabilities of Iran, the actual timeline for restarting enrichment could be influenced by various geopolitical factors, including diplomatic negotiations and potential further military actions. However, the consensus among experts and intelligence reports suggests that Iran is indeed poised to resume enrichment activities if it chooses to do so (CNN, Al Jazeera).
Conclusion
The claim that "Iran could restart enriched uranium production in just months" is True. Rafael Grossi's statements, supported by multiple credible sources, indicate that Iran has the necessary capabilities and could resume enrichment activities relatively quickly, despite recent military setbacks.
Sources
- IAEA chief says Iran could be enriching uranium within ...
- Iran can enrich uranium for a bomb within months, UN nuclear chief says
- Exclusive: Iran dramatically accelerating uranium enrichment to near ...
- Iran could resume uranium enrichment within months: IAEA chief
- UN nuclear watchdog chief says Iran could again begin enriching uranium ...
- Iran: une cyberattaque de grande ampleur paralyse les banques
- Iran will likely be able to produce enriched uranium 'in a ...
- L’Iran dévoile une « ville de missiles » souterraine (vidéo)
