UN nuclear watchdog cannot verify if Iran’s program is ‘entirely peaceful’

Iran’s refusal to cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has raised concerns about the country’s nuclear program. The IAEA, which is responsible for monitoring all nations’ nuclear activities, has been denied access to both old and new nuclear sites in Iran. This lack of access has prevented the agency from verifying whether Iran’s nuclear program is truly peaceful, despite the regime’s claims.

Director General of the IAEA, Rafael Grossi, recently issued a warning statement highlighting Iran’s lack of transparency. The agency found man-made particles of enriched uranium at three sites in 2020, indicating that Iran may be pursuing nuclear ambitions once again. Despite repeated requests for explanations from Iran, the regime has either failed to respond or provided insufficient answers to the agency’s questions. In addition, Iran has attempted to sanitize these locations, hindering the IAEA’s verification efforts.

Grossi expressed growing concerns about Iran’s nuclear program, especially after a report revealed that the country had significantly increased its stockpile of near-weapons-grade enriched uranium in just three months. This escalation raises fears that Iran is close to obtaining the capability to produce nuclear warheads.

In the midst of these developments, a U.S. proposal was submitted to Iran regarding its nuclear program. However, Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei rejected the proposal, stating that it was not acceptable to Iran. The details of the proposal, including any provisions for enrichment capabilities or sanction relief, remain undisclosed.

The White House has set a deadline of June 11 for Iran to reach a deal with the U.S., though the specifics of this deadline and the proposed deal are unclear. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei confirmed that Iran would present its own proposal to the U.S. through Oman, emphasizing that it would be reasonable, logical, and balanced.

As the diplomatic negotiations continue, the international community remains on edge about Iran’s nuclear intentions. The IAEA’s inability to fully assess Iran’s nuclear activities underscores the need for transparency and cooperation from the Iranian regime. The world watches closely as tensions escalate and the deadline for a potential agreement approaches.