"Iran ‘Not far’ from possessing Nuclear weapons", IAEA warns as US talks resume

Rafael Grossi, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has issued a serious warning about Iran's nuclear program, saying that while Iran still has technical steps ahead, it is "not far" from developing nuclear weapons. His remarks come during a critical time as diplomatic efforts between the United States and Iran resume in Oman.

In a recent interview with the French newspaper Le Monde, Grossi drew a compelling analogy, likening Iran’s nuclear ambitions to a puzzle. "You have the pieces, and they could, in the end, put them together," he said. "They still have a long way to go, but they're not far; we have to recognize this."

Grossi's comments highlight growing international concerns about Iran’s nuclear capabilities, especially as negotiations between Tehran and Washington are reigniting after a long pause. The IAEA chief's remarks reflect a deepening sense of urgency in monitoring Iran's nuclear progress and ensuring that diplomatic avenues are not exhausted before it is too late.

The diplomatic dialogue resumed over the weekend in Oman, where US and Iranian officials held the first of two scheduled meetings. Speaking on Sunday, President Donald Trump addressed the ongoing talks, asserting his firm stance on preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

"We've got a problem with Iran, but I'll solve that problem, that's almost an easy one," Trump stated. He added that Iran is stalling in negotiations, suggesting that they are accustomed to dealing with "stupid people" in the U.S. administration.

Trump warned of possible decisive action if diplomacy fails. "They gotta go fast because they're fairly close to having one. And they are not going to have one. If we have to do something very harsh, we're going to do it," he declared. "I'm not doing it for the US, I'm doing it for the world."

As talks continue, the world watches closely, balancing on the edge of diplomacy and potential escalation. The IAEA's cautionary stance reinforces the stakes at hand and the critical importance of international oversight and negotiation.