Iran’s recent acceleration of uranium enrichment to near weapons-grade levels has raised serious concerns among Western officials, with some asserting that the move contradicts Tehran’s claims of seeking credible nuclear negotiations. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed in a confidential report to member states that Iran is enriching uranium up to 60% purity, edging closer to the 90% required for nuclear weapons. IAEA Director Rafael Grossi called the development “extremely serious” during an interview on Friday.
A Western diplomatic source, speaking anonymously, stated, “These measures have no credible civilian justification and could, on the contrary, directly fuel a military nuclear program if Iran were to take the decision.” The source further noted that Iran’s actions conflict with its public declarations of a willingness to engage in meaningful nuclear discussions.
This holiday season, give to:
Truth and understanding
The Media Line's intrepid correspondents are in Israel, Gaza, Lebanon, Syria and Pakistan providing first-person reporting.
They all said they cover it.
We see it.
We report with just one agenda: the truth.
Iran, which has consistently denied pursuing nuclear weapons, responded to the concerns through Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei. He emphasized that the country’s nuclear activities are “completely transparent” and conducted under the supervision of the IAEA. Baghaei claimed that Iran’s enrichment program complies with the Non-Proliferation Treaty and other international safeguards.
The uranium enrichment process, which can produce fuel for civilian power generation or weapons, has been a contentious issue in ongoing disputes between Iran and Western nations. Talks to revive the 2015 nuclear deal have remained stalled, exacerbating fears over Iran’s nuclear trajectory.