The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) issued a stark warning on Friday,stating that Iran is on the verge of significantly increasing its stockpile of near weapons-grade uranium. Rafael Mariano Grossi’s comments came just hours after Iran announced a triumphant space launch, its heaviest payload yet, further fueling Western concerns about Tehran’s ballistic missile program.
Grossi, speaking at the International Institute of Strategic Studies’ Manama Dialog in Bahrain, expressed deep concern over Iran’s plans to activate cascades of advanced centrifuges. “They were preparing and they have all of these facilities sort of in abeyance and now they are activating that.So we are going to see,” he said. “if they really make them turn — all of them — it’s going to be a huge jump.”
This development comes as Iran’s nuclear program continues to enrich uranium to 60 percent purity, a level just a short technical step away from weapons-grade 90 percent. While Iran insists its nuclear program is solely for peaceful purposes, officials in the Islamic Republic have increasingly threatened to pursue nuclear weapons and an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of reaching distant targets, including the United States.
Iran’s space program, which includes the recent launch of the Simorgh rocket, has also drawn scrutiny from Western nations. They allege that the program serves as a cover for developing ballistic missile technology.
Grossi emphasized that IAEA inspectors are closely monitoring the situation and will assess the extent of Iran’s centrifuge activation. “I think it is indeed very concerning,” he stated.
Iran has consistently denied any aspirations to develop nuclear weapons, maintaining that both its space program and nuclear activities are purely civilian in nature.However, U.S. intelligence agencies and the IAEA have asserted that iran possessed an organized military nuclear program until 2003.
The latest developments have heightened tensions between Iran and the West, raising concerns about the potential for further escalation in the region.
## Iran’s Nuclear Advancements and Space Ambitions: An Interview with IAEA Chief Rafael Mariano Grossi
**World Today News** sat down with **Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)**, following his concerning statement on Iran’s nuclear program. Mr. Grossi’s warnings came just hours after Iran successfully launched its heaviest satellite payload yet.
**WTN:** Mr. grossi, you stated that Iran is ”very close” to possessing enough near weapons-grade uranium for a nuclear weapon. What specific evidence has led the IAEA to this alarming conclusion?
**Grossi:** The IAEA has been closely monitoring Iran’s nuclear activities for years. Recent inspections have revealed a meaningful increase in the enrichment of uranium to levels nearing weapons-grade. While Iran insists this is for peaceful purposes, the volume and speed of enrichment are deeply concerning.
**WTN:** Iran recently launched its heaviest satellite payload yet, prompting concerns about advancements in its ballistic missile program. How does this space launch connect to Iran’s nuclear ambitions, in yoru view?
**grossi:** The technologies used in both space launch vehicles and ballistic missiles share significant overlap. This suggests that advancements in one area can directly contribute to the development of the other. While Iran claims its space program is purely for scientific purposes, the potential dual-use nature of these technologies raises serious questions.
**WTN:** This situation comes amidst ongoing negotiations to revive the 2015 nuclear deal. How do Iran’s actions impact the prospects of a renewed agreement?
**Grossi:** Frankly, Iran’s current actions are making it increasingly tough to envision a successful return to the Joint Extensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Building trust and confidence is crucial for any diplomatic effort, and Iran’s recent steps are undermining that foundation.
**WTN:** What steps can the international community take to address these concerns and prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons capabilities?
**Grossi:** The IAEA remains committed to working with all parties to ensure the peaceful use of nuclear energy. Increased transparency from Iran is paramount. The international community must continue to engage in diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation and prevent a nuclear crisis.
**WTN:** Mr. Grossi, thank you for your time and insightful analysis of this critical issue.
We at World today News will continue to closely monitor the situation in Iran and provide updates as they develop.
