29/6/2025–|Last update: 03:38 (Mecca time)
The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi, suggested that Iran be able to start producing enriched uranium “within months”, despite the damage to its nuclear facilities as a result of the American and Israeli attacks, according to CBS News on Saturday.
Israel had launched a series of attacks on Iranian military and nuclear sites, claiming that it prevented it from developing a nuclear weapon, despite Iran’s repeated denial of this ambition.
Later, the United States joined the Israeli bombing campaign to target three major facilities of Iran’s nuclear program.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqji announced last Thursday that the damage to his country’s nuclear facilities 12 days after the war with Israel is “large”, while US President Donald Trump confirmed that the Iranian nuclear program had declined “decades” back.
But Grussia indicated in an interview with the “Care of the Nation” program on the “CBS News” network that “some still exist.”
Grusi added that, within months, Iran can operate a few groups of centrifuges to produce enriched uranium.
Unaware
Regarding speculation about whether Iran had managed to transfer some or all its stock of 408 kilograms of highly enriched uranium before attacks, Grussia said he did not know where these materials could be.
According to the French Press Agency, this uranium is 60%, i.e. higher than the levels designated for civil use and less than what is required to make a nuclear weapon. But if these materials are subjected to more enrichment, it will be theoretically enough to produce more than nine nuclear bombs.
The Iranian Shura Council voted on a draft law to suspend cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency, and Tehran also refused to request the affected sites, especially the main Fordo nuclear facility.
Expected talks
On the other hand, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed on Saturday the support of Washington “for” important verification and monitoring efforts made by the International Atomic Energy Agency in Iran, “praising Tarossi and his agency for their” dedication and professionalism “according to his expression.
Meanwhile, NBC quoted sources as saying that the American envoy Steve Witkev will hold talks with Iranian officials dealing with the possibility of reaching an agreement to stop uranium enrichment in exchange for the reduction of sanctions.
On Friday, Trump waved to strike Iran again if it returned to enriching uranium. He said he had suspended measures aimed at eliminating sanctions from Tehran.
On the other hand, Muhammad Reda Aref, the first deputy of the Iranian president, said that it is not possible to trust Israel and the United States, noting that the possibility of those described as enemies with malicious acts is possible.
French position
On the other hand, the French Foreign Minister said late on Saturday evening that his country intends with its European partners to play a pivotal role in negotiations on Iran’s nuclear file.
The minister added that if Iran refuses to negotiate with good faith, he said, then the global ban can be imposed on it again.
Source: Al Jazeera + Al Jazeera + Agencies + American press