According to the Iran international, the international community must act swiftly to finalize a deal on Iran's nuclear program before it is too late, Rafael Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), warned on Friday.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, Grossi said the IAEA Board of Governors has requested a comprehensive report on Iran's nuclear activities, which is expected to be released after the board's meeting in March.
"I think we are running out of time, but it doesn't mean that we can't do it fast," Grossi told reporters.
He revealed that Iran is likely to have stockpiled around 250 kg of uranium enriched to up to 60% purity by the time the IAEA's next report is published.
Grossi described this rapid accumulation of highly enriched uranium as a serious warning sign.
"The rapid acceleration of uranium enriched up to 60% purity is a sign that should be taken very seriously," he cautioned.
While the IAEA has stated there is no direct evidence that Iran is building a nuclear weapon, Grossi emphasized that Tehran is not fully cooperating with inspectors.
He also noted that he has yet to hold political consultations with the new U.S. administration on Iran's nuclear issue and is awaiting President Donald Trump's appointment of a special envoy for Iran.
Trump, meanwhile, has expressed a willingness to negotiate with Tehran, saying he believes the Islamic Republic "would love to make a deal" with the United States. However, he has also warned that airstrikes remain an alternative option if diplomacy fails.
At the same conference, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar reiterated that preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons remains Israel's top priority.
He warned that a nuclear armed Iran would threaten not just Israel, but also Europe and the broader Middle East.
While acknowledging the role of diplomacy, Saar insisted that reviving the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) without significant revisions would be a mistake.
Iran has consistently denied seeking nuclear weapons, arguing that its program is for peaceful purposes. However, Israeli officials maintain that a nuclear armed Iran would pose an existential threat.
As tensions continue to mount, all eyes are now on diplomatic efforts to defuse the situation and avoid potential military escalation.
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