NEW DELHI: The head of the United Nations ‘ nuclear watchdog, International Atomic Energy Agency ( IAEA ) chief Rafael Mariano Grossi, expressed concerns on Monday about Iran’s nuclear activities, describing them as eyebrow- raising. Grossi made the claim in an interview with Deutsche Welle ( DW), a German public broadcaster, that Iran has the potential to develop a nuclear bomb in the coming weeks due to its current levels of uranium enrichment.
Iran’s uranium enrichment rate increased to 60 %, which is close to the 90 percent threshold for weapons-grade, according to the IAEA’s December report. This growth has heightened tensions between Iran and Israel, particularly after Iran responded to an alleged Jewish strike in Syria by attacking Israel with drones and weapons on April 13, despite the fact that these were mainly thwarted, according to a Newsweek statement.
Grossi cited the IAEA’s lack of access and visibility as problematic, saying,” I have been telling my Iranian rivals repeatedly that this nuclear activity raises eyebrows and is compounded by the fact that we are not receiving the required amount of exposure and awareness that I believe may be required.”
Grossi had previously stated in January 2023 that Tehran possessed enough enriched uranium to develop” many” nuclear weapons, despite Iran’s claims that its nuclear program is only for peaceful uses. A Department of State spokesperson stated that Iran’s nuclear increase is especially troubling given the country’s continued fragility and the actions of Iran-backed parties, and that this condition has caused a lot of anxiety in the Biden administration.
Grossi’s results, in addition to no identifying nuclear sites, led to the discovery of uranium traces in locations that have not been previously classified as nuclear sites, which could point to undisclosed nuclear activities. He intends to travel to Tehran quickly to indulge in further discussion and discuss these pressing issues with Persian authorities.
( With inputs from agencies )
