A lot of Iran's nuclear capabilities "still has survived," UN watchdog chief says

CBS News
March 19, 2026
3 min read

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UN nuclear watchdog contradicts U.S. intelligence claim that Iran's nuclear enrichment program was destroyed.

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Rafael Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, contradicted U.S. intelligence claims by telling CBS that Iran retains significant nuclear capabilities despite Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard's assertion to Congress that the country's enrichment program was destroyed. Grossi stated Iran still possesses the technical knowledge, industrial capacity, and infrastructure to advance its nuclear program, suggesting Tehran's nuclear infrastructure remains largely intact. The disagreement between the UN watchdog and U.S. intelligence officials represents a substantial divergence on a critical national security question at a moment of heightened U.S.-Iran tensions. Grossi's comments suggest the situation is more complex than recent American statements have indicated, with Iran maintaining years of accumulated nuclear expertise and facilities that cannot easily be erased or dismantled.

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