The leading official at the United Nations responsible for monitoring nuclear activities has suggested that Iran may be able to resume uranium enrichment within a few months. This contrasts sharply with President Trump’s posture, which has been to assert that Iran has ceased nuclear activities following American military action. Observations and analysis from the U.S. following its attack in Iran have aligned with reports suggesting that the impact on Iran’s nuclear pursuit has been temporary, estimated at a setback of just a few months.
Contradicting President Trump’s claim, the head of the United Nations’ nuclear inspection department suggested that the U.S. mission has not drastically affected Iran’s nuclear progression. The U.N official implied that the country could be back to uranium enrichment – a key process in the development of nuclear weaponry – in just months. He emphasized that it would be misleading to presume everything in Iran’s nuclear program has been entirely eliminated.
Offering specifics, the U.N inspector revealed that during the American airstrike, 14 heavy-duty bombs were dropped on two of Iran’s uranium enrichment centers. This has caused noticeable damage, although it was not significant enough to completely disable operations. Previously, he stated his belief that every single one of the over 18,000 centrifuges, hidden in underground facilities, were either wrecked or impaired.
The inspector’s position aligns with the understanding of multiple European intelligence agencies. It is also in tune with Defense Intelligence Agency’s preliminary evaluation, which was brought into public knowledge during the past week. This review speculated that Iran’s nuclear progression was disrupted only temporarily due to the U.S. conducted strike.
Additionally, it has been reported that the U.S. intelligence departments are in the process of further evaluating the effects of the military strike on Iran’s nuclear processing sites. Specifically, the Defense Intelligence Agency’s report seemed to concentrate on the impact of the airstrike on enrichment activities.
Further assessments by independent entities indicate that the greatest loss for Iran might have occurred not from the attack on their uranium enrichment facilities, but due to the annihilation of structures intended to transform the enriched uranium into a weapon.
Particularly, the damage inflicted upon a under-construction laboratory, located within a nuclear complex situated near the historic city of Isfahan, can have pivotal consequences. The lab was being designed to facilitate the transformation of enriched uranium into a metallic form, an essential step in weapon creation.
Experts suggest that the damage incurred at this facility might cause significant delays in Iran’s ability to produce a weapon from highly enriched uranium. As per their assessment, the reinstatement of this ability might take a substantial number of years.
However, much of it will depend on Iran’s next steps. It remains to be seen whether Iran will expel the inspectors — who stayed in Tehran throughout the recent conflict with Israel — or choose transparency and conduct its nuclear activities openly.
Whichever approach Iran chooses, it is evident that there is a risk of subsequent military action. President Trump has indicated readiness to authorize further bombings if deemed necessary. This further underscores the volatility of the situation and could inevitably influence Iran’s next move.