IAEA: Some Iranian Nuclear Facilities Intact... Uranium Enrichment Possible Within Months

Director General's Interview with U.S. Media
Some Iranian Nuclear Facilities Remain Intact
Possibility Raised of Near-Weapons-Grade Uranium Being Moved
Trump: "Uranium Could Not Be Moved"

Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), stated that despite damage to nuclear facilities, Iran could resume enriched uranium production within several months. This suggests that, contrary to U.S. President Donald Trump's claim of the "complete destruction of nuclear weapons," Iran's nuclear program has not been entirely eliminated. The following day, President Trump dismissed the possibility that Iran had moved enriched uranium necessary for nuclear weapons production.

According to AFP on June 28 (local time), Director General Grossi said in an interview with CBS the previous day, "Some parts of (Iran's nuclear facilities) are still intact," adding, "In my view, Iran could have several centrifuge cascade facilities capable of producing enriched uranium within a few months, or even less time."

This contradicts President Trump's claim that the United States and Israel had completely destroyed Iran's nuclear facilities.

Director General Grossi responded to questions about whether Iran had moved some or all of the approximately 400 kg of highly enriched uranium it previously produced before the airstrikes by saying, "We do not know where this material is." He added, "Some may have been destroyed as part of the attack, but some may have been moved," and emphasized, "Therefore, this will have to be clarified at some point." This also differs from President Trump's assertion that "none of Iran's highly enriched uranium was moved out of the facilities."

The highly enriched uranium, over which claims are conflicting, contains uranium isotope U-235 at a concentration of 60%. This material can be rapidly enriched to weapons-grade, which is about 90% concentration and is used as the raw material for nuclear warheads.

However, it is expected to be difficult to trace the whereabouts of the highly enriched uranium. This is because, on June 25, Iran's parliament passed a resolution to temporarily suspend cooperation with the IAEA. The resolution stipulates that IAEA inspectors will not be allowed entry into Iran until the safety of Iran's nuclear facilities and peaceful nuclear activities is guaranteed.

Director General Grossi emphasized, "We need to be in a position to know what exists, where it is, and what has happened, so that we can identify and verify these facts."

On June 29, President Trump dismissed the possibility that Iran had moved enriched uranium necessary for nuclear weapons production, posting on his social media platform Truth Social. He stated, "That is a very difficult and dangerous task. It is extremely heavy. Besides, we did not give them much warning (about striking Iran's nuclear facilities)," and insisted, "They did not move anything."

President Trump also indicated that he would lift sanctions if Iran establishes a peace regime. He said, "If Iran can achieve peace and demonstrate that it will not cause any harm, we will lift the sanctions." Regarding China's announcement that it will continue to purchase Iranian oil, he clarified that this does not mean sanctions will be lifted.