UN Nuclear Chief Warns Iran Close to Nuclear Bomb Components

Rafael Grossi, the chief of the United Nations' nuclear watchdog, cautioned that Iran is "not far" from acquiring the necessary components to build a nuclear bomb during a visit to Tehran before crucial U.S.-Iran negotiations. Grossi, director of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) stressed the importance of verifying Iran's nuclear activities, stating, "it is not enough to say 'we don't have nuclear weapons' — we need verification."

Grossi’s meetings with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Iran's nuclear chief Mohammad Eslami focused on concerns surrounding Tehran's uranium enrichment, which is exceeding the limits of the now-defunct 2015 nuclear deal, but remaining lower than weapons-grade enrichment.

The warning comes ahead of a second round of U.S.-Iran talks scheduled to be held in Rome on Saturday, mediated by Oman, following a preliminary “constructive” meeting.

The 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) capped Iran's uranium enrichment level at 3.67%, but was unilaterally abandoned by former president Donald Trump, prompting Iran to amass a stockpile of at least 274.8 kg of uranium enriched to 60%, meaning Tehran is in non-compliance with the JCPOA's terms about enrichment limits and not far away from the 90% enrichment needed to create highly enriched uranium for a modern nuclear warhead.

The U.S. demands that Iran cease enrichment outright, while Tehran describes its program as peaceful and not negotiable. In addition, Araghchi cited how Iran sees the "contradictory positions" taken by Washington based on Trump's sanctions taken against Iran and threats of military action, but still sending messages of reconciliation such as letters to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei.

Iran solidified its stance by coordinating with JCPOA signatories Russia and China. Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi went to Moscow to deliver a messsage from Khamenei to President Vladimir Putin, emphasizing Iran's strategic partnerships with both of those states.

Iran has reiterated its "red lines," maintaining that its missile program and regional influence would not be up for discussion. Khamenei cautiously observed that talks "may not yield results," and stated that the country's progress must continue with or without a deal.