In a troubling statement the former head of Iran's Atomic Energy Agency, Ali Akbar Salehi, asserted that Tehran "has all the necessary components for a nuclear bomb."
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This declaration made on Monday has raised concerns, prompting International Atomic Energy Agency Director-General Rafael Grossi to issue a warning during a diplomatic conference in Dubai.
Grossi emphasized that "Iran is not entirely transparent regarding its nuclear program, especially in light of statements from those who previously managed it, claiming they possess all the elements for a bomb."
Grossi elaborated on his concerns: "There is a growing complexity in the Middle East due to Israel's war in Gaza. Iran's lack of transparency regarding its nuclear activities heightens the risks. There are increasing talks from various sources within Iran regarding nuclear weapons, particularly when a prominent figure claims they have all the necessary components. So please, show me proof."
In an interview with Iranian television earlier this week, Salehi stated: "We possess all the nuclear science components and technology. We've crossed all the lines, overcome all obstacles. It's like having all the parts to build a car: we have the chassis, the engine, the transmission, everything. Each component serves its purpose, and everything is in our hands."
While Tehran officially claims it does not seek nuclear weapons, in the past two years more and more senior figures in the country have been less ambiguous about their intentions, dropping various hints. For instance, as Ali Khorram, one of the advisors to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, told Al Jazeera, "Iran already has the capability to build nuclear weapons but chooses not to do so."
First published: 14:27, 02.14.24