Rafael Grossi, head of the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog, has issued a grave warning that Iran is edging dangerously close to assembling a nuclear weapon. In an interview with Le Monde ahead of his visit to Tehran, Grossi stated that while Iran hasn’t yet built a bomb, it is rapidly nearing the point where it could.
“They have the pieces, and one day they could eventually put them together,” Grossi said, likening Iran’s progress to a jigsaw puzzle missing only a few final parts. “They’re not there yet—but they’re not far off either.”
Grossi’s warning underscores mounting international concerns as Iran accelerates its nuclear activities in the absence of strict oversight, especially after the U.S. withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear agreement during the Trump administration. The deal had initially imposed curbs on Tehran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief.
Emphasizing the need for verifiable assurances, Grossi cautioned that verbal commitments from Iran are insufficient. “It’s not enough to say ‘we don’t have nuclear weapons.’ The world needs proof,” he said, reinforcing the IAEA’s demand for rigorous inspection rights and transparency.
Since the collapse of the deal, Iran has significantly increased uranium enrichment levels—fueling fears that its nuclear program may be shifting from civilian to military objectives. Tehran maintains that its nuclear ambitions are peaceful, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reiterating that uranium enrichment is “non-negotiable.” He added, “We are ready to build confidence, but not to compromise on our right to enrich.”
Grossi’s arrival in Tehran comes amid a flurry of diplomatic activity. The second round of direct U.S.-Iran nuclear talks is set to take place this weekend in Rome, following a constructive first round in Oman. At the same time, Iran continues parallel discussions with Russia, signaling its broader diplomatic engagement beyond Washington.
With tensions high and international scrutiny intensifying, Grossi’s visit could prove pivotal in determining whether Iran’s nuclear trajectory can still be steered away from weaponization.
