IAEA Chief Grossi Warns Iran Retains Nuclear Rebuilding Capacity Amidst Tensions

Grossi's Assessment on Iran's Nuclear Potential

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi stated on Thursday, October 26, 2025, that Iran possesses the scientific knowledge and determination to rebuild its uranium enrichment capacity and other nuclear activities should it decide to do so. Speaking at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL), Grossi emphasized that 'scientific knowledge cannot be destroyed' . This statement echoes remarks made earlier in the week during an interview with the Swiss newspaper Le Temps .

Grossi's assessment comes in the wake of recent U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in June 2025, which caused 'severe damage' but did not 'totally' obliterate Iran's capabilities . Despite the physical damage, Grossi noted that Iran's fundamental technical expertise and capacity to rebuild centrifuges remain largely intact . He highlighted that Iran is a 'very sophisticated country in terms of nuclear technology' .

Current State of Iran's Nuclear Program

According to Grossi, Iran currently holds approximately 400 kilograms of uranium enriched up to 60 percent . This quantity, if further enriched, could provide enough material for roughly 10 nuclear weapons . However, Grossi stressed that the IAEA has 'no evidence whatsoever that Tehran intends to build a nuclear weapon' . He clarified in his latest report that 'Iran does not possess nuclear weapons and has no active program to build them, though questions remain about the transparency of its nuclear activities' .

Reports from the Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS) on October 20, 2025, indicate that Iran is constructing unidentified structures at the former Taleghan 2 nuclear research site at the Parchin Military Complex. These structures are reportedly 'bunkered over with earth,' likely to enhance their survivability against potential future strikes .

Challenges to International Oversight and Transparency

The IAEA's ability to monitor Iran's nuclear program has faced significant challenges. Grossi emphasized the importance of continued inspections, stating that rigorous monitoring is essential to verify Iran's nuclear activities . However, Tehran is currently allowing only 'limited access' to inspectors, citing 'security concerns' .

Further complicating oversight, Iran's top security official, Ali Larijani, declared on October 22, 2025, that Tehran's cooperation with the agency under the Cairo Framework Agreement is now 'null and void' . On October 25, 2025, Iran, Russia, and China formally terminated the IAEA's mandate to report on Iran's nuclear program under UN Security Council Resolution 2231, arguing that its provisions had expired on October 18, 2025 . Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has also cautioned Grossi against confrontational language . In July 2025, Iran expelled the chief of the UN nuclear watchdog and dismantled surveillance cameras at its nuclear sites, citing alleged Israeli access to sensitive data . The IAEA has also noted Iran's failure to provide 'technically credible explanations' for uranium particles found at undeclared locations .

Conclusion

The IAEA Director General's recent statements underscore the persistent concerns surrounding Iran's nuclear capabilities and the challenges in maintaining international oversight. While acknowledging the damage inflicted by recent military strikes, Grossi's remarks highlight Iran's enduring technical expertise. The ongoing diplomatic tensions, coupled with Iran's reduced cooperation with IAEA inspections and the formal termination of the UN Security Council Resolution 2231 mandate, signal a complex and evolving landscape for nuclear non-proliferation efforts in the region.