Fact Check: "Iran could resume uranium enrichment within months, warns IAEA chief"
What We Know
The claim that "Iran could resume uranium enrichment within months" originates from statements made by Rafael Mariano Grossi, the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). In a recent interview, Grossi indicated that following military strikes by the U.S. on Iranian facilities, Iran has the capability to restart its uranium enrichment program "in a matter of months" (NPR). He noted that while some facilities were damaged, they were not completely destroyed, and Iran possesses the necessary knowledge and industrial capacity to resume enrichment activities (Al Jazeera).
The IAEA has previously reported that Iran holds a significant stockpile of enriched uranium, which could facilitate a rapid return to enrichment activities (NPR). This stockpile includes uranium enriched to levels close to those required for nuclear weapons, further complicating the situation (The New York Times).
Analysis
The assertion that Iran could resume uranium enrichment within months is supported by credible sources, including the IAEA, which is the authoritative body on nuclear activities. Grossi's comments reflect a consensus among experts that Iran has not only retained its nuclear knowledge but also its industrial capabilities despite recent military actions against its facilities (NPR, Al Jazeera).
While some U.S. officials, including President Trump, claimed that the military strikes had "totally obliterated" Iran's nuclear capabilities, subsequent assessments indicated that the damage was not as extensive as initially reported (The New York Times). This discrepancy raises questions about the reliability of claims made by political figures compared to those from nuclear experts.
Furthermore, the potential for Iran to have relocated some of its enriched uranium before the strikes adds another layer of complexity to the situation. Grossi suggested that Iran may have moved canisters of enriched uranium to undisclosed locations, which would allow them to continue their nuclear ambitions without detection (NPR).
Conclusion
The claim that "Iran could resume uranium enrichment within months" is True. The evidence presented by the IAEA's director general, along with corroborating reports from reputable news sources, supports this assertion. Despite military actions aimed at curtailing Iran's nuclear capabilities, the country retains the necessary infrastructure and knowledge to restart its enrichment program relatively quickly.
Sources
- U.N. nuclear chief says Iran could enrich uranium in months (https://www.npr.org/2025/06/29/nx-s1-5450282/u-n-nuclear-watchdog-says-iran-could-enrich-uranium-again-in-a-matter-of-months)
- Officials Concede They Don't Know the Fate of Iran's ... (https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/22/us/politics/iran-uranium-stockpile-whereabouts.html)
- Iran could resume uranium enrichment within months: IAEA ... (https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/6/29/iran-could-resume-uranium-enrichment-within-months-says-iaea-chief)
- Iran could resume uranium enrichment in 'matter of months, ... (https://www.timesofisrael.com/iran-could-resume-uranium-enrichment-in-matter-of-months-iaea-chief-says/)