Baghdad: Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, has raised alarms over Iran's nuclear capabilities, stating that the country could elevate its uranium enrichment to 90% within weeks. Grossi expressed concerns in a series of press statements, highlighting the challenges faced by the IAEA in accessing critical information and facilities within Iran's nuclear program.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Grossi reported that while the agency has resumed some inspections of Iran's nuclear facilities, permission to access the 60% enriched uranium stockpile remains elusive. He emphasized that Iran is fiercely protective of this stockpile, citing concerns over potential attacks. Grossi noted that the ability to increase enrichment levels to 90% is a significant development, underscoring the pressing timeline of weeks rather than months or years.

The IAEA Director General further articulated the difficulties in assessing the decline of Iran's nuclear program post-attacks without comprehensive inspections. He remarked that although the program has undergone significant changes, it retains the potential for reconstruction. Grossi also pointed out Iran's continued capability to produce centrifuges essential for uranium enrichment.

The backdrop to these developments is the 2015 nuclear agreement, which has been in jeopardy since the United States' withdrawal in 2018 under President Donald Trump, leading to renewed sanctions on Iran. Western nations and Israel have persistently accused Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons, allegations that Tehran has consistently denied.

Recent geopolitical tensions have exacerbated the situation, particularly following the 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel last June. This conflict disrupted nuclear negotiations between Tehran and Washington and resulted in Iran halting its cooperation with the IAEA.