The situation between the US, Israel, and Iran has escalated sharply following military strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities. The US joined Israel in targeting three key sites: Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan. However, the extent of the damage remains uncertain.
On Saturday, Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), spoke to CBS News. He warned that Iran could quickly resume enriching uranium, potentially within months. Grossi emphasized that Iran still has the necessary technology and capabilities to restart its nuclear program if it chooses to do so.
Earlier this week, a leaked Pentagon report indicated that the US airstrikes might have only delayed Iran’s nuclear ambitions by a few months. This assessment raises questions about the effectiveness of the military action, as future intelligence reports may reveal more about the actual damage inflicted on the facilities.
Former President Donald Trump responded to the situation by claiming that Iran’s nuclear sites were "completely destroyed." He criticized the media for downplaying what he called one of the most successful military strikes in history. Meanwhile, Iran and Israel have agreed to a temporary ceasefire, but tensions remain high.
Iran’s armed forces chief, Abdolrahim Mousavi, expressed skepticism about Israel’s commitment to the ceasefire, stating that Tehran is prepared to respond with force if attacked again. His comments reflect the ongoing mistrust between the two nations.
Iran’s leadership has sent mixed messages regarding the impact of the strikes. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei asserted that the attacks achieved little, while Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi claimed they caused "excessive and serious" damage. This inconsistency highlights the uncertainty surrounding the situation.
Relations between Iran and the IAEA have become increasingly strained. Iran’s parliament recently moved to suspend cooperation with the agency, accusing it of favoring Israel and the US. Tehran has also rejected requests from the IAEA to inspect the damaged sites, with Araghchi dismissing Grossi’s insistence on visiting as meaningless.
The conflict escalated after the IAEA reported last month that Iran had breached its non-proliferation obligations for the first time in two decades. Iran insists its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.
Despite the challenges, Grossi expressed hope for future negotiations with Iran. He emphasized the need for a diplomatic solution to the ongoing crisis, as military actions alone cannot resolve the issues at hand.