The world is buzzing with tension over Iran’s nuclear program — but the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog, just threw cold water on the alarm bells. According to IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, there’s simply no evidence that Iran is making a “systematic effort” to build a nuclear weapon.
The backdrop is intense: Israel launched airstrikes against Iran, claiming Tehran was on the cusp of developing a nuclear bomb. The US chimed in with President Donald Trump warning that Iran was “very close” to obtaining such a weapon. Yet, the intelligence picture is anything but clear. Trump’s own former intelligence official Tulsi Gabbard said Iran is not building a bomb, while Iran insists its nuclear ambitions are purely peaceful and within their rights.
Grossi’s recent interview with CNN’s Christiane Amanpour cuts through the noise. He described a tug-of-war over timelines — how soon Iran might actually be able to produce a bomb. His verdict? “Certainly, it was not for tomorrow, maybe not a matter of years.” In other words, don’t expect an atomic bomb countdown ticking down anytime soon.
Yes, Iran has enough enriched uranium to raise eyebrows, but that’s only part of the story. To create a nuclear weapon, you need highly advanced technology and extensive testing — and the IAEA’s two decades of inspections haven’t uncovered any proof Iran is taking those critical next steps.
Grossi was clear: “What we are telling you is what we have been able to prove. The material is there. There have been, in the past, some activities related to the development of nuclear weapons, but we did not have, at this point, these elements.”
Just before Israel’s attacks, the IAEA passed a resolution criticizing Iran for not fully complying with non-proliferation obligations, highlighting Tehran’s failure to prove its nuclear materials aren’t being diverted for military use. Tehran pushed back, with Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi announcing plans to limit cooperation with the IAEA, accusing the watchdog of biased conduct, especially for not condemning Israel’s strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites. “Makes no sense,” he said bluntly.
The situation remains volatile, with global powers pointing fingers and fears running high — but as of now, the UN’s eyes on the ground see no smoking gun. The race for a bomb, at least officially, remains far from the finish line.
