Washington plans to propose a new nuclear agreement to Tehran
Iran's Uranium Enrichment Nears Weapon-Grade Level: US Pursuing Atom Deal with Tehran
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has revealed that Iran has amassed nearly 409 kg of uranium enriched to 60% purity, raising concerns about the possibility of a nuclear weapon. Israel expresses apprehension, fearing this could pose an existential threat to the Jewish state.
U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is reported to have presented a proposal for an agreement with Iran's leadership, according to media sources. The proposal, deemed "detailed and acceptable" by U.S. President Donald Trump's spokesperson Karoline Leavitt, has been discussed with Iran's leadership, as per media outlets and tweets by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghtschi.
The IAEA's report in Vienna revealed a 50% increase in Iran's production of near-weapons-grade uranium in a short period, bringing the total to nearly 409 kg enriched to 60%. This amount, should it be further enriched to 90%, would theoretically suffice for a nuclear weapon, according to diplomatic sources.
Iran has dismissed the report as politically motivated, while Israel has called on the international community to take swift action. Netanyahu urged the community to act following the report's release. Iran, China, and Russia are coordinating their positions on the negotiations, with Russia supporting Iran's right to enrich uranium and opposing U.S. objectives.
Preliminary talks between the U.S. and Iran are ongoing to reach a "political framework text" before the next IAEA Board of Governors meeting on June 9 and 10, 2025. However, the progress and details of these negotiations remain uncertain. Gulf countries are urging both Iran and the U.S. to conclude a nuclear deal to prevent regional escalation.
In terms of Iran's overall stockpile of enriched uranium, it currently stands at 9,247.6 kg. This represents an increase of 953.2 kg since February 2025. The U.S. intelligence community notes that while Iran has not commenced a weapons program, it has undertaken activities that could potentially allow it to produce a nuclear device if it decides to do so.
Sources: ntv.de, lve/dpa
- Amidst the escalating tensions over Iran's nuclear program, the European Parliament has voiced concerns about the political implications of the situation, urging the EU to take a firm stance on the issue.
- Meanwhile, the Commission has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, given the potential increase in the nuclear industry's activities.
