## IAEA Monitors Remain in Iran Despite Israeli Threats
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) continues its activities in Iran despite recent Israeli threats of retaliation following an alleged missile attack against Israel. This presence is crucial as IAEA monitors inspect facilities that could be targeted by Israel. Notably, during the 2003 US bombing of Iraq, IAEA inspectors were notified to leave the country before the attack.
The IAEA confirmed its continued operations in Iran, with Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi scheduled to appear before the UN Security Council in New York. Meanwhile, airlines like Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines have canceled direct flights to Tehran due to heightened tensions in the Middle East.
## Iran's Nuclear Capabilities and Israeli Concerns
Iran possesses over three dozen nuclear facilities and scattered centrifuge workshops, where engineers design machines for enriching uranium. The IAEA reported that Iran has enough highly-enriched uranium to potentially fuel several warheads. This has raised concerns in Israel, which has long planned a potential strike against Iran's nuclear infrastructure.
Israel tested its attack plans during the 2022 Chariots of Fire war simulation, developed in response to Iran's nuclear deal with world powers. However, attacking Iran's nuclear facilities poses significant challenges. The facilities are beyond the reach of Israeli aircraft and numerous, leading intelligence officials to warn that a strike might only delay, not eliminate, Iran's ability to develop nuclear weapons.