The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has revealed that Iran previously conducted covert nuclear activities at three undisclosed locations, with enriched uranium stored at levels up to 60%. Meanwhile, Tehran has asserted its alignment with Washington on the stance that nuclear weapons are unacceptable.
In a confidential report addressed to member states, the IAEA stated that Iran has engaged in secret nuclear activities using materials that had not been declared to the UN agency at three sites that have been under investigation for a long time.
The comprehensive report, requested by the IAEA’s Board of Governors in November, indicated that these three locations, along with other potential related sites, were part of an undisclosed organized nuclear program operated by Iran until the early 2000s, with some activities utilizing undeclared nuclear materials. The report further highlighted that Tehran has expedited its production of uranium enriched to 60%.
As of May 17, Iran had accumulated 408.6 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60%, an increase of 133.8 kilograms since the agency’s last report in February. The IAEA noted that Iran has amassed an additional quantity of uranium enriched to levels comparable to those used in nuclear weapons, urging Tehran to cooperate with its investigations.
### Calls for Action
In the meantime, Israel has asserted that the latest IAEA report indicates that Iran’s nuclear program is not peaceful and that Tehran remains determined to complete its nuclear weapons program. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office issued a statement saying, “The international community must act now to stop Iran,” emphasizing that the level of uranium enrichment achieved by Iran is characteristic of countries actively pursuing nuclear weapons and lacks any civilian justification.
### Position
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi reiterated yesterday that nuclear weapons are unacceptable. In statements aired by state television, Araqchi acknowledged, “If the issue is nuclear weapons, yes, we also deem them unacceptable,” referencing the U.S. position. Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed that the United States is nearing an agreement with Tehran, stating, “If we can reach an agreement with Iran, it would be very positive… Iran should not possess nuclear weapons; it’s a very straightforward issue… and I believe we are relatively close to concluding an agreement with Iran.”