The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has revealed that Iran previously conducted secret nuclear activities at three sites and amassed enriched uranium at levels reaching 60%. Meanwhile, Tehran has emphasized its alignment with Washington’s view that nuclear weapons are unacceptable.
In a confidential report to its member states, the IAEA disclosed that Iran had engaged in undisclosed nuclear activities at three sites under prolonged investigation. These activities involved materials that were not reported to the UN-affiliated agency.
The comprehensive report, requested by the IAEA Board of Governors in November, indicated that these three sites, along with other potential related locations, were part of a systematic, undeclared nuclear program implemented by Iran until the early 2000s, utilizing undisclosed nuclear materials. Furthermore, the report noted that Tehran has accelerated its production of uranium enriched up to 60%.
As of May 17, Iran has accumulated 408.6 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60%. This marks an increase of 133.8 kilograms since the agency’s last report in February. The IAEA highlighted that Iran has amassed additional amounts 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 stated that the latest IAEA report demonstrated that the Iranian nuclear program is not peaceful and that Tehran remains determined to advance its nuclear weapons program. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office issued a statement asserting, “The international community must take action now to halt Iran,” noting that the level of uranium enrichment achieved by Iran is characteristic of states actively seeking nuclear weapons and lacks any civilian justification.
Position
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi affirmed yesterday that nuclear weapons are unacceptable. In remarks broadcast by state television, he stated, “If the issue is nuclear weapons, we consider them unacceptable as well,” agreeing with the American stance on that point. U.S. President Donald Trump, just hours earlier, indicated that the U.S. is close to reaching an agreement with Tehran, adding, “If we can strike a deal with Iran, it would be very good… Iran must not possess nuclear weapons; it is a very straightforward issue, and I believe we are relatively close to a deal with Iran.”