The United States has signed a civilian nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia, a move being presented as an energy partnership but one that is raising serious strategic questions across West Asia. While Washington says the deal supports Saudi Arabia's civilian nuclear ambitions, critics warn it could reshape the regional balance of power.

The agreement has sparked concerns in Israel over nuclear proliferation, while questions remain about uranium enrichment restrictions, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) oversight, and whether the deal is linked to Saudi Arabia normalizing ties with Israel under the Abraham Accords.

US-Saudi Nuclear Deal Sparks Fears of Middle East Nuclear Arms Race | Israel, Iran on Edge

U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a highly unusual closed-door meeting at the White House, sparking intense speculation over the future of the Iran conflict.

Unlike previous meetings, there were no public remarks or joint press interactions before the talks. The White House released photographs only after the 90-minute meeting, raising questions about what was discussed behind closed doors.

Trump-Netanyahu Meeting: What's Really Changing on Iran?

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has described his latest White House meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump as "one of the best conversations" they have ever had. The high-level discussions focused on Iran's nuclear program, regional security, and the broader situation in West Asia following the Iran conflict. Netanyahu said both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and strengthening Israel's long-term security. Meanwhile, protesters gathered outside the White House, with anti-Zionist Orthodox Jewish groups, Christian organizations, and other faith-based activists calling for an end to the war in Gaza, an end to violence in the West Bank, and a renewed push for diplomacy over military action.

Netanyahu hails Trump meeting as 'One of the Best' amid Iran tensions and White House protests

US Vice-President JD Vance said on Monday that Iran has “committed to destroy and dispose of their stockpile of highly enriched material” and to “never develop or procure a nuclear weapon.” Vance further said in an interview to CNBC that Iran would have to undergo a verification process to ensure it holds up its side of the deal, and only then will the US lift sanctions.&nbsp;Vance said if Iran honours its obligations and allows real inspections of its nuclear programme, then the US will welcome it back into the world economy.&nbsp;“We say to the Iranians, you are welcome to have access to an unsanctioned economy, you’re welcome to be re-invited into the world economy, but only if you honour the commitments that you make in this agreement,” he said.&nbsp;“So that’s the leverage point and simultaneously the enforcement mechanism we have over their nuclear programme.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g7-summit-2026-what-would-success-look-like-in-vian-amid-turbulent-times-1781524196880">G7 Summit 2026: What would success look like in Évian amid turbulent times?</a>&nbsp;“Iran will have a much better and much more prosperous future if they meet the obligations they make in this agreement,” Vance said, adding that the unfreezing of Iran’s financial assets is “one of the things we’re going to work out in the technical talks that will follow the official signing on Friday.”&nbsp;<h2>Refutes claims of Iranian regime receiving $24 billion in frozen funds</h2>&nbsp;The US vice president refuted claims that the Iranian regime would receive $24 billion in frozen funds if it hits certain benchmarks, saying the figure “doesn’t appear anywhere in any of the texts.”&nbsp;“What we have said is that we are willing to talk about unfreezing assets, but a much, much bigger deal is unsanctioning their economy - so long as they make the long-term commitments on the nuclear programme,” Vance said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g7-summit-2026-what-is-pm-modi-s-g7-agenda-priorities-for-india-at-vian-1781520152545">G7 Summit 2026: What is PM Modi’s G7 agenda, priorities for India at Évian</a>&nbsp;In another interview with CBS News, Vance did not rule out the possibility of US military forces being used to help ensure Iran’s compliance with an agreement on its nuclear materials, though he said he didn’t “think the US forces are going to be necessary.”&nbsp;“We certainly talked with the Iranians about how we’re going to destroy that enriched stockpile. The technical details are one of the things that we’re going to work on when we start those technical talks on Friday,” Vance said.&nbsp;“We’re talking about working with the IAEA and working with the Iranians to go in and destroy that enriched stockpile of material,” Vance told CBS News.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-restricts-access-of-anthropic-s-mythos-and-fable-to-americans-only-is-globalisation-dead-in-the-age-of-ai-1781372168111">US restricts access of Anthropic’s Mythos and Fable to Americans only. Is globalisation dead in the age of AI?</a>&nbsp;“But what the president has made very clear is the United States will be there to confirm that that enriched stockpile of material is destroyed,” he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Asked whether he believed the Strait of Hormuz would be reopened beyond the 60-day period laid out in the agreement, Vance said that “our expectation is that the strait is going to be opened in a toll-free way for the long term.”&nbsp;<h2>‘Trump admin plans to release full text of agreement this week’</h2>&nbsp;Vance further said that the Trump administration plans to release the full text of the US-Iran agreement this week, saying, “We want the American people to see it.”“Sometimes with these agreements, there are some diplomatic protocols, some technical things to work out, but we plan to release the full text this week,” he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-govt-funded-foreign-biolabs-many-of-them-worked-on-dangerous-pathogens-reveals-tulsi-gabbard-1781283223008">US govt funded foreign biolabs, many of them worked on dangerous pathogens, reveals Tulsi Gabbard</a>&nbsp;Vance said there is some misreporting about the terms in the agreement and clarified that the deal broadly “ensures that Iran will never have a nuclear weapon, while simultaneously opening the Strait of Hormuz.”

US Vice President JD Vance refuted claims that the Iranian regime would receive $24 billion in frozen funds if it hits certain benchmarks, saying the figure doesn’t appear anywhere in the texts. He added that the Trump administration plans to release the full text of the agreement.

US Vice-President JD Vance said on Monday that Iran has “committed to destroy and dispose of their stockpile of highly enriched material” and to “never develop or procure a nuclear weapon.” Vance further said in an interview to CNBC that Iran would have to undergo a verification process to ensure it holds up its side of the deal, and only then will the US lift sanctions. Vance said if Iran honours its obligations and allows real inspections of its nuclear programme, then the US will welcome it back into the world economy. “We say to the Iranians, you are welcome to have access to an unsanctioned economy, you’re welcome to be re-invited into the world economy, but only if you honour the commitments that you make in this agreement,” he said. “So that’s the leverage point and simultaneously the enforcement mechanism we have over their nuclear programme.” Also Read: G7 Summit 2026: What would success look like in Évian amid turbulent times? “Iran will have a much better and much more prosperous future if they meet the obligations they make in this agreement,” Vance said, adding that the unfreezing of Iran’s financial assets is “one of the things we’re going to work out in the technical talks that will follow the official signing on Friday.” Refutes claims of Iranian regime receiving $24 billion in frozen funds The US vice president refuted claims that the Iranian regime would receive $24 billion in frozen funds if it hits certain benchmarks, saying the figure “doesn’t appear anywhere in any of the texts.” “What we have said is that we are willing to talk about unfreezing assets, but a much, much bigger deal is unsanctioning their economy - so long as they make the long-term commitments on the nuclear programme,” Vance said. Also Read: G7 Summit 2026: What is PM Modi’s G7 agenda, priorities for India at Évian In another interview with CBS News, Vance did not rule out the possibility of US military forces being used to help ensure Iran’s compliance with an agreement on its nuclear materials, though he said he didn’t “think the US forces are going to be necessary.” “We certainly talked with the Iranians about how we’re going to destroy that enriched stockpile. The technical details are one of the things that we’re going to work on when we start those technical talks on Friday,” Vance said. “We’re talking about working with the IAEA and working with the Iranians to go in and destroy that enriched stockpile of material,” Vance told CBS News. Also Read: US restricts access of Anthropic’s Mythos and Fable to Americans only. Is globalisation dead in the age of AI? “But what the president has made very clear is the United States will be there to confirm that that enriched stockpile of material is destroyed,” he said. Asked whether he believed the Strait of Hormuz would be reopened beyond the 60-day period laid out in the agreement, Vance said that “our expectation is that the strait is going to be opened in a toll-free way for the long term.” ‘Trump admin plans to release full text of agreement this week’ Vance further said that the Trump administration plans to release the full text of the US-Iran agreement this week, saying, “We want the American people to see it.” “Sometimes with these agreements, there are some diplomatic protocols, some technical things to work out, but we plan to release the full text this week,” he said. Also Read: US govt funded foreign biolabs, many of them worked on dangerous pathogens, reveals Tulsi Gabbard Vance said there is some misreporting about the terms in the agreement and clarified that the deal broadly “ensures that Iran will never have a nuclear weapon, while simultaneously opening the Strait of Hormuz.”

US Vice President JD Vance refuted claims that the Iranian regime would receive $24 billion in frozen funds if it hits certain benchmarks, saying the figure doesn’t appear anywhere in the texts. He added that the Trump administration plans to release the full text of the agreement.&nbsp;

‘Iran has committed to destroy and dispose of highly enriched material,’ says Vance

Iran’s Deputy Parliament Speaker Ali Nikzad compared Tehran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz to a nuclear bomb as tensions remain in the region. Speaking in an interview on Iranian media, Nikzad said that the Strait of Hormuz is Iran’s atomic bomb. This comes as Iran and the United States continue to issue threats despite a ceasefire. Talks between the two sides have been stalled as certain issues, including Iran’s nuclear program, remain unresolved.Slamming US President Donald Trump’s contradictory statements since the war began on February 28, Nikzad said that the US statements do not have any credibility. He added that, on the other hand, Iran has a fundamental ideological basis for the issue of war.The deputy speaker stressed that the Strait of Hormuz will not return to its previous state, adding that a law will be passed in the Iranian parliament and steps for it are being taken.“The Strait of Hormuz is more important to me than a nuclear bomb. In other words, our nuclear bomb is the Strait of Hormuz. They have five thousand nuclear bombs themselves, but even if we had a nuclear bomb, we would never use it,” he said.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🔺 Iran’s Deputy Parliament Speaker: “The Strait of Hormuz Is More Important to Us Than the Atomic Bomb” Ali Nikzad, First Deputy Speaker of Iran’s parliament and a senior conservative hardliner, said the Strait of Hormuz will not return to its previous status under a law passed… <a href="https://t.co/fyucOC4vJe">pic.twitter.com/fyucOC4vJe</a>&mdash; Drop Site (@DropSiteNews) <a href="https://x.com/DropSiteNews/status/2063355497294549140?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 6, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Tensions in Gulf renew</h2>Meanwhile, military tensions in the Gulf have renewed with fresh attacks exchanged between the US and Iran. In a latest incident, the US military said that it shot down two Iranian attack drones threatening maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.“Earlier today, US forces in the Middle East shot down two Iranian one-way attack drones that threatened international maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz,” US Central Command said on its X account. “American forces remain postured and ready to continue defending against Iranian aggression.”Earlier on Friday (Jun 5), CENTCOM said that its forces shot down four Iranian drones that were launched towards the Strait. The American military also targeted Iranian coastal surveillance radar sites.Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said that they targeted “enemy bases” in the region in response to the US strikes on Sirik and Qeshm Island.Explosions were heard near Kuwait International Airport as the military announced that it was responding to “hostile” missiles and drone attacks. Blasts and air raid sirens were also heard in neighbouring Bahrain’s capital, Manama.The United States military said that Iran launched seven ballistic missiles towards the two Gulf nations. In a statement, CENTCOM said that no US personnel were harmed, refuting Iranian claims of damaging the US 5th fleet headquarters in Bahrain. The American military also shared the video of US strikes on Iranian targets. It added that the US forces intercepted six of the missiles, while the seventh “did not reach its intended target.”Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.&nbsp;

Iran's Deputy Parliament Speaker Ali Nikzad called the Strait of Hormuz Iran's "nuclear bomb" amid tensions with the US. His remarks came as US forces shot down Iranian drones and renewed military exchanges rattled the Gulf region.

Iran’s Deputy Parliament Speaker Ali Nikzad compared Tehran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz to a nuclear bomb as tensions remain in the region. Speaking in an interview on Iranian media, Nikzad said that the Strait of Hormuz is Iran’s atomic bomb. This comes as Iran and the United States continue to issue threats despite a ceasefire. Talks between the two sides have been stalled as certain issues, including Iran’s nuclear program, remain unresolved. Slamming US President Donald Trump’s contradictory statements since the war began on February 28, Nikzad said that the US statements do not have any credibility. He added that, on the other hand, Iran has a fundamental ideological basis for the issue of war. The deputy speaker stressed that the Strait of Hormuz will not return to its previous state, adding that a law will be passed in the Iranian parliament and steps for it are being taken. “The Strait of Hormuz is more important to me than a nuclear bomb. In other words, our nuclear bomb is the Strait of Hormuz. They have five thousand nuclear bombs themselves, but even if we had a nuclear bomb, we would never use it,” he said.

Iran's Deputy Parliament Speaker Ali Nikzad called the Strait of Hormuz Iran's "nuclear bomb" amid tensions with the US. His remarks came as US forces shot down Iranian drones and renewed military exchanges rattled the Gulf region.

‘Strait of Hormuz is our nuclear bomb’: Iranian official’s EXPLOSIVE remark amid tensions with US

US President Donald Trump on Thursday (May 21) said that Washington would eventually take control of Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium as tensions remain despite the fragile ceasefire between the two countries. He also said that the US is against any attempts to impose tolls on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Trump stressed that the United States will not allow Tehran to retain near-weapons-grade nuclear material.Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said, “We will get it. We don’t need it, we don’t want it. We’ll probably destroy it after we get it, but we’re not going to let them have it.”This comes as a Reuters report suggested that Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has reportedly issued a directive, demanding that the country’s enriched uranium should not be sent abroad, rejecting demands made by Trump.“The Supreme ​Leader’s directive, and the consensus within the establishment, is that the stockpile of enriched uranium should not leave the country,” Reuters quoted an Iranian source as saying.However, a Bloomberg report, citing a senior Iranain official, rejected the claims that Mojtaba has issued any order requiring enriched uranium to remain inside Iran, calling the reports “enemy propaganda.” The official added that no new directive has been issued and reaffirmed that Tehran will continue to downblend the material.<h2>‘We don’t want tolls’</h2>Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that any Iranian attempt to impose toll on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz would effectively destroy hopes for a diplomatic agreement.“No one in the world is in favour of the tolling system. It can’t happen. It would be unacceptable,” Rubio said.Trump also dismissed the idea, saying the United States wanted the strategic waterway to remain open and accessible for international shipping, calling any such move “a threat to the world” and “completely illegal”.“We want it free, we don’t want tolls. It's international, it’s an international waterway,” he said.Despite the tensions, Rubio suggested optimism in diplomatic efforts, referring to Pakistan’s army chief visit to Tehran. “Hopefully that’ll advance this further,” he said.

US President Donald Trump vowed that Washington would seize Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile and opposed any Hormuz shipping tolls.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday (May 21) said that Washington would eventually take control of Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium as tensions remain despite the fragile ceasefire between the two countries. He also said that the US is against any attempts to impose tolls on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Trump stressed that the United States will not allow Tehran to retain near-weapons-grade nuclear material. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said, “We will get it. We don’t need it, we don’t want it. We’ll probably destroy it after we get it, but we’re not going to let them have it.” This comes as a Reuters report suggested that Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has reportedly issued a directive, demanding that the country’s enriched uranium should not be sent abroad, rejecting demands made by Trump. “The Supreme Leader’s directive, and the consensus within the establishment, is that the stockpile of enriched uranium should not leave the country,” Reuters quoted an Iranian source as saying. However, a Bloomberg report, citing a senior Iranain official, rejected the claims that Mojtaba has issued any order requiring enriched uranium to remain inside Iran, calling the reports “enemy propaganda.” The official added that no new directive has been issued and reaffirmed that Tehran will continue to downblend the material. ‘We don’t want tolls’ Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that any Iranian attempt to impose toll on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz would effectively destroy hopes for a diplomatic agreement. “No one in the world is in favour of the tolling system. It can’t happen. It would be unacceptable,” Rubio said. Trump also dismissed the idea, saying the United States wanted the strategic waterway to remain open and accessible for international shipping, calling any such move “a threat to the world” and “completely illegal”. “We want it free, we don’t want tolls. It's international, it’s an international waterway,” he said. Despite the tensions, Rubio suggested optimism in diplomatic efforts, referring to Pakistan’s army chief visit to Tehran. “Hopefully that’ll advance this further,” he said.

US President Donald Trump vowed that Washington would seize Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile and opposed any Hormuz shipping tolls.

‘We will get it’: Trump vows to seize Iran’s nuclear stockpile, warns Tehran against Hormuz tolls

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has reportedly issued a directive, demanding that the country’s enriched uranium should not be sent abroad, rejecting demands made by US President Donald Trump. The move could further complicate the talks between Iran and the United States to end the war. However, some reports denied the claims.Reuters reported, citing Israeli officials, that Trump had assured Israel that Tehran’s highly enriched uranium stockpile, which is crucial for developing a nuclear weapon, would be removed from the country as part of any future peace agreement. It added that Israel wants such a condition formally included in the deal.“The Supreme ​Leader’s directive, and the consensus within the establishment, is that the stockpile of enriched uranium should not leave the country,” Reuters quoted an Iranian source as saying.The report added that top Iranian officials believe that sending the material abroad would make Tehran even more vulnerable to future attacks by the US and Israel. It added that Mojtaba has the last say on the most important matters concerning the country.Israel, the United States and Western nations have repeatedly accused Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons capability, pointing to Tehran’s decision to enrich uranium to 60 per cent purity – a level much higher than what is required for civilian nuclear purposes and much closer to the 90 per cent threshold associated with weapons-grade uranium. Iran has consistently denied seeking nuclear weapons.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that the conflict cannot be considered resolved unless Iran’s enriched uranium is removed, its support for proxy militias ends, and its ballistic missile programme is dismantled.<h2>Iranian official denies report</h2>According to a Bloomberg report, a senior Iranain official denied the claims that Mojtaba has issued any order requiring enriched uranium to remain inside Iran, calling the reports “enemy propaganda.” The official added that no new directive has been issued and reaffirmed that Tehran will continue to downblend the material. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has reportedly refused to send the country’s enriched uranium abroad, rejecting a key US demand and further complicating Iran-US peace talks.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has reportedly issued a directive, demanding that the country’s enriched uranium should not be sent abroad, rejecting demands made by US President Donald Trump. The move could further complicate the talks between Iran and the United States to end the war. However, some reports denied the claims. Reuters reported, citing Israeli officials, that Trump had assured Israel that Tehran’s highly enriched uranium stockpile, which is crucial for developing a nuclear weapon, would be removed from the country as part of any future peace agreement. It added that Israel wants such a condition formally included in the deal. “The Supreme Leader’s directive, and the consensus within the establishment, is that the stockpile of enriched uranium should not leave the country,” Reuters quoted an Iranian source as saying. The report added that top Iranian officials believe that sending the material abroad would make Tehran even more vulnerable to future attacks by the US and Israel. It added that Mojtaba has the last say on the most important matters concerning the country. Israel, the United States and Western nations have repeatedly accused Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons capability, pointing to Tehran’s decision to enrich uranium to 60 per cent purity – a level much higher than what is required for civilian nuclear purposes and much closer to the 90 per cent threshold associated with weapons-grade uranium. Iran has consistently denied seeking nuclear weapons. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that the conflict cannot be considered resolved unless Iran’s enriched uranium is removed, its support for proxy militias ends, and its ballistic missile programme is dismantled. Iranian official denies report According to a Bloomberg report, a senior Iranain official denied the claims that Mojtaba has issued any order requiring enriched uranium to remain inside Iran, calling the reports “enemy propaganda.” The official added that no new directive has been issued and reaffirmed that Tehran will continue to downblend the material. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has reportedly refused to send the country’s enriched uranium abroad, rejecting a key US demand and further complicating Iran-US peace talks.

Did Mojtaba Khamenei issue order demanding enriched uranium must stay in Iran?

The United States and Israel have reportedly discussed sending special forces into Iran to secure its stockpile of highly enriched uranium during a later stage of the war. The mission could involve small special-operations teams working alongside nuclear experts — possibly including scientists from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) — to locate and secure the material.

Officials say Iran possesses roughly 450 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60%, which could potentially be converted into weapons-grade material within weeks. Reports suggest two options are being considered: removing the uranium entirely from Iran or diluting it on site with the help of nuclear experts


U.S-Israel Reportedly Considering Special Ops To Secure Iran’s Uranium

Amid rising tensions between Iran and the United States, the global nuclear watchdog's board of governors declared Iran in breach of its non-proliferation obligations for the first time in 20 years. This comes after it was reported that Israel appears to be preparing to launch an attack soon on Iran, according to officials in the United States and Europe. Moreover, US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said he will be moving US personnel out of the Middle East, especially Iran, because "it could be a dangerous place."&nbsp;&nbsp;The sixth round of US-Iran nuclear talks will be held on Sunday in Muscat, the Omani foreign minister said, after Trump reiterated that Tehran would not be allowed to have a nuclear weapon.&nbsp;Envoys from Iran and the United States began negotiations on April 12, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi leading the talks from Iran's side while Steve Witkoff leading the US delegation.<h2>But what is Iran's nuclear programme and what is the history of the US-Iran enemity? Let's have a look</h2>Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-abbas-araghchi-the-chief-negotiator-leading-iran-us-nuclear-talks-8954515">Who is Abbas Araghchi, the chief negotiator leading Iran-US nuclear talks?</a><h2>Iran's nuclear programme and its reality</h2>Iran has two uranium mines, a research reactor and a uranium processing facility. The nuclear programme began with the support of the US in the 1950s under the Atoms for Peace program. Iran became a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) in 1970. This subjected its nuclear activities to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspections. However, after the 1979 Iranian Revolution, Iran pursued its nuclear program and stopped cooperating with the IAEA. The Shah even approved plans to construct up to 23 nuclear power stations by 2000. In 2002, the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) exposed the existence of an undisclosed uranium enrichment facility in Natanz, as per reports. In 2003, the IAEA first reported that Iran had not declared uranium enrichment activities, which may be used in developing nuclear weapons.&nbsp;Read More |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-s-big-warning-to-us-tehran-to-target-american-bases-if-nuclear-talks-fail-and-conflict-breaks-out-1749640492571">&nbsp;Iran's BIG warning to US: Tehran to target American bases if nuclear talks</a>&nbsp;The UN, US and EU imposed economic sanctions on Iran over its nuclear programme from 2010. The repercussion of the sanctions was faced by Iranians. Foreign assets worth 100 billion USD froze, and its economy plunged into recession. After years of sanctions and negotiations, Iran and Western powers - the US, China, France, Russia, Germany and the UK – agreed to sign the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran.&nbsp;Iran has maintained that its nuclear programme is for civilians. It has insisted that it is not developing nuclear weapons but will use them for other purposes.&nbsp;However, Iran is accused of breaking the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) that allows countries to use non-military nuclear technology but does not permit the development of nuclear weapons. The West fears that Iran can develop a nuclear weapon within six to&nbsp;18 months.&nbsp;Read More |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-to-strike-iran-s-nuclear-facilities-us-pulls-staff-from-middle-east-iran-s-nuclear-programme-timeline-what-you-should-know-1749709414448">Israel to strike Iran's nuclear facilities? As US pulls staff from Middle East, here's a timeline of Iran's nuclear programme</a><h2>What was the 2015 nuclear deal?</h2>The Iran nuclear agreement of 2015 was formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Under its terms, Iran agreed to dismantle much of its nuclear program and open its facilities to international inspections in exchange for sanctions relief. Nuclear weapons require uranium enriched to 90% purity. Under the deal, Iran was allowed to enrich uranium up to 3.67 per cent purity and to maintain a uranium stockpile of 300 kilograms. But by March 2025, Iran reportedly had about 275kg of uranium, which it had enriched to 60% purity.&nbsp;&nbsp;WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/why-isnt-iran-allowed-nuclear-weapons-8952398">Why isn't Iran allowed nuclear weapons?</a><h2>What is the history of Iran-US enmity?</h2>In the 1940s, Iran was one of the top allies of the United States in West Asia under Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. Pahlavi purchased American military weapons and helped the CIA secretly against the Soviet Union. The CIA, in turn, is known to have helped Shah in the 1953 coup. However, by 1979, anger grew in Iran against the Shah's regime and the Shah fatally ill with cancer, fled to Iran. This paved the way for the Islamic Revolution led by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. After Khomeini's takeover, hostility against US increased with university students overrunning the US Embassy in Tehran, seeking the Shah's extradition. Subsequently, the 444-day hostage crisis ended the diplomatic relations between Iran and the US. Later the US backed Saddam Hussein in the Iran-Iraq war of the 1980s. The enmity between the two nations has continued since then. A ray of hope in diplomatic ties came with the 2015 nuclear deal, but with that gone, America and Iran were back to being arch rivals.&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-s-big-warning-to-us-tehran-to-target-american-bases-if-nuclear-talks-fail-and-conflict-breaks-out-1749640492571">&nbsp;fail and conflict breaks out</a>

World | Iran has said that 'indirect talks' began with the US envoy in Muscat. What is Iran's nuclear programme and what is the history of the US-Iran enemity?

Amid rising tensions between Iran and the United States, the global nuclear watchdog's board of governors declared Iran in breach of its non-proliferation obligations for the first time in 20 years. This comes after it was reported that Israel appears to be preparing to launch an attack soon on Iran, according to officials in the United States and Europe. Moreover, US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said he will be moving US personnel out of the Middle East, especially Iran, because "it could be a dangerous place." The sixth round of US-Iran nuclear talks will be held on Sunday in Muscat, the Omani foreign minister said, after Trump reiterated that Tehran would not be allowed to have a nuclear weapon. Envoys from Iran and the United States began negotiations on April 12, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi leading the talks from Iran's side while Steve Witkoff leading the US delegation. But what is Iran's nuclear programme and what is the history of the US-Iran enemity? Let's have a look Read More | Who is Abbas Araghchi, the chief negotiator leading Iran-US nuclear talks? Iran's nuclear programme and its reality Iran has two uranium mines, a research reactor and a uranium processing facility. The nuclear programme began with the support of the US in the 1950s under the Atoms for Peace program. Iran became a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) in 1970. This subjected its nuclear activities to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspections. However, after the 1979 Iranian Revolution, Iran pursued its nuclear program and stopped cooperating with the IAEA. The Shah even approved plans to construct up to 23 nuclear power stations by 2000. In 2002, the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) exposed the existence of an undisclosed uranium enrichment facility in Natanz, as per reports. In 2003, the IAEA first reported that Iran had not declared uranium enrichment activities, which may be used in developing nuclear weapons. Read More | Iran's BIG warning to US: Tehran to target American bases if nuclear talks The UN, US and EU imposed economic sanctions on Iran over its nuclear programme from 2010. The repercussion of the sanctions was faced by Iranians. Foreign assets worth 100 billion USD froze, and its economy plunged into recession. After years of sanctions and negotiations, Iran and Western powers - the US, China, France, Russia, Germany and the UK – agreed to sign the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran. Iran has maintained that its nuclear programme is for civilians. It has insisted that it is not developing nuclear weapons but will use them for other purposes. However, Iran is accused of breaking the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) that allows countries to use non-military nuclear technology but does not permit the development of nuclear weapons. The West fears that Iran can develop a nuclear weapon within six to 18 months. Read More | Israel to strike Iran's nuclear facilities? As US pulls staff from Middle East, here's a timeline of Iran's nuclear programme What was the 2015 nuclear deal? The Iran nuclear agreement of 2015 was formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Under its terms, Iran agreed to dismantle much of its nuclear program and open its facilities to international inspections in exchange for sanctions relief. Nuclear weapons require uranium enriched to 90% purity. Under the deal, Iran was allowed to enrich uranium up to 3.67 per cent purity and to maintain a uranium stockpile of 300 kilograms. But by March 2025, Iran reportedly had about 275kg of uranium, which it had enriched to 60% purity. WATCH | Why isn't Iran allowed nuclear weapons? What is the history of Iran-US enmity? In the 1940s, Iran was one of the top allies of the United States in West Asia under Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. Pahlavi purchased American military weapons and helped the CIA secretly against the Soviet Union. The CIA, in turn, is known to have helped Shah in the 1953 coup. However, by 1979, anger grew in Iran against the Shah's regime and the Shah fatally ill with cancer, fled to Iran. This paved the way for the Islamic Revolution led by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. After Khomeini's takeover, hostility against US increased with university students overrunning the US Embassy in Tehran, seeking the Shah's extradition. Subsequently, the 444-day hostage crisis ended the diplomatic relations between Iran and the US. Later the US backed Saddam Hussein in the Iran-Iraq war of the 1980s. The enmity between the two nations has continued since then. A ray of hope in diplomatic ties came with the 2015 nuclear deal, but with that gone, America and Iran were back to being arch rivals. fail and conflict breaks out

US-Iran tensions: What is Iran's nuclear programme? Know history of Tehran's enemity with America

The major Western powers - US, UK, France and Germany want the UN nuclear watchdog to pass a resolution on Iran. The countries want the International Atomic Energy Agency to ask Iran to explain the Uranian traces found at the three undeclared sites.

Concern over Iran's nuclear program; West seeks country's 'urgent cooperation'

US, Allies push IAEA board over Iran; West wants Iran to explain Uranium traces

As the revival of the nuclear deal between Iran and the west show no signs of progress, Israel has continued to put out its hardline position on the matter.

Israel talks tough in Iran nuclear deal talks

Diplomats are back at the table for Iran nuclear talks, they went on a deal. But are they willing to make a concession for it? The Iranians want all sanctions lifted while the Americans say, we don't trust your intentions.

Diplomats back at the table for Iran nuclear talks

Time is running out for the U.N. atomic watchdog to gain access to re-install cameras at a centrifuge-parts workshop in Iran, as the agency will soon be unable to guarantee equipment is not being diverted to make atom bombs, its chief said on Wednesday.

Iran: UN nuclear watchdog monitors Iran's nuclear program

Iran is five years away from developing a nuclear weapon, and international talks due to restart next week will do nothing to slow it down, Israel said on Tuesday, adding it reserved the right to act to protect itself.

Israel: Iran nuke program at the most advanced stage

As Iran engages with Western powers over reviewing the 2015 nuclear deal, Israeli media reported that the Israel Defense Forces(IDF) has asked for a major budget increase to prepare for a potential attack against Iran’s nuclear programme.

Israel's army chief Lt. Gen. Aviv Kohavi had earlier hailed "unprecedented" cooperation with the US even as Iran said it had sabotaged an attack on an atomic energy agency building.

Israel has vehemently resisted the revival of the nuclear deal with the US and Western powers. Israel's new government is in the process of finalising the budget.

Defence minister Benny Gantz called for expansion of force build-up in view of "Iran arming itself with a nuclear weapon" as he called on the government to ensure Israel&nbsp;maintains "military superiority, which ensures our secure existence and advances peace.”

In April Iran had accused Israel of sabotage at the Natanz nuclear facility after a small explosion was reported.

Iran had stepped up away its nuclear programme after the former Trump administration withdrew from the nuclear deal and imposed sanctions on the country. President Biden&nbsp;has however signalled his intention to renter the deal with Iran subject to full compliance with nuclear obligations.

UN's nuclear watchdog IAEA had earlier expressed concern over Iran's undeclared nuclear activity stating that&nbsp;"a clear indication that nuclear material and/or equipment contaminated by nuclear material has been present" at three undeclared locations.

IAEA said had said Iran's stockpile of enriched uranium was around 16 times the limit laid down under the 2015 deal nuclear agreement.

Meanwhile, Iran's outgoing President Hassan Rouhani said he hoped his successor Ebrahim Raisi will be able to conclude the nuclear talks and lift sanctions against the country.

Last month Raisi had said that negotiations should not be for negotiations' sake while asking for "results" even as the United States and France warned Iran that time was running out to revive the deal.

(With inputs from Agencies)&nbsp;

As Iran engages with Western powers over reviewing the 2015 nuclear deal, Israeli media reported that the Israel Defense Forces(IDF) has asked for a major budget increase to prepare for a potential attack against Iran’s nuclear programme.

As Iran engages with Western powers over reviewing the 2015 nuclear deal, Israeli media reported that the Israel Defense Forces(IDF) has asked for a major budget increase to prepare for a potential attack against Iran’s nuclear programme. Israel's army chief Lt. Gen. Aviv Kohavi had earlier hailed "unprecedented" cooperation with the US even as Iran said it had sabotaged an attack on an atomic energy agency building. Israel has vehemently resisted the revival of the nuclear deal with the US and Western powers. Israel's new government is in the process of finalising the budget. Defence minister Benny Gantz called for expansion of force build-up in view of "Iran arming itself with a nuclear weapon" as he called on the government to ensure Israel maintains "military superiority, which ensures our secure existence and advances peace.” In April Iran had accused Israel of sabotage at the Natanz nuclear facility after a small explosion was reported. Iran had stepped up away its nuclear programme after the former Trump administration withdrew from the nuclear deal and imposed sanctions on the country. President Biden has however signalled his intention to renter the deal with Iran subject to full compliance with nuclear obligations. UN's nuclear watchdog IAEA had earlier expressed concern over Iran's undeclared nuclear activity stating that "a clear indication that nuclear material and/or equipment contaminated by nuclear material has been present" at three undeclared locations. IAEA said had said Iran's stockpile of enriched uranium was around 16 times the limit laid down under the 2015 deal nuclear agreement. Meanwhile, Iran's outgoing President Hassan Rouhani said he hoped his successor Ebrahim Raisi will be able to conclude the nuclear talks and lift sanctions against the country. Last month Raisi had said that negotiations should not be for negotiations' sake while asking for "results" even as the United States and France warned Iran that time was running out to revive the deal. (With inputs from Agencies)

Israel's defence forces ask for budget increase to prepare potential attack against Iran’s nuclear programme: Report

The Israel Defence Forces are seeking a massive hike in their budget to attack Iran's nuclear program. According to reports, Israel is preparing for a potential attack on Iranian nuclear sites and the government will seek to pass the budget in coming months.

IDF seeks hikes in defence budget to attack Iran's nuclear program

The United States on Friday confirmed its participation in the meeting on the Iran nuclear deal next week and offered to talk directly with Tehran.&nbsp;

"These remain early days, and we don't anticipate an immediate breakthrough as there will be difficult discussions ahead. But we believe this is a healthy step forward," State Department spokesman Ned Price was quoted as saying by news agency AFP.&nbsp;

"We do not anticipate presently that there will be direct talks between the United States and Iran through this process, though the United States remains open to them."

Earlier on Friday, the European Union (EU) announced an in-person meeting of all parties in Vienna of the 2015 nuclear deal, named the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, from which the US under former president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;pulled off.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-rejects-meeting-us-at-nuclear-deal-talks-in-vienna-375001">Iran rejects meeting US at nuclear deal talks in Vienna</a>

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif confirmed the Islamic Republic's presence in the meeting, but denied any meeting with the US, calling it "unnecessary".&nbsp;

The meeting aimed to "rapidly finalise sanction-lifting and nuclear measures for choreographed removal of all sanctions, followed by Iran ceasing remedial measures," Zarif said.&nbsp;

"No Iran-US meeting. Unnecessary," the Iranian foreign minister wrote on Twitter.&nbsp;

US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;has said that Washington would return to the nuclear accord if Tehran agrees to follow its commitments under the deal.

However, Iran has insisted on lifting off the sanctions imposed under Trump before beginning any negotiations.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

The United States on Friday confirmed its participation in the meeting on the Iran nuclear deal next week and offered to talk directly with Tehran. "These remain early days, and we don't anticipate an immediate breakthrough as there will be difficult discussions ahead.

The United States on Friday confirmed its participation in the meeting on the Iran nuclear deal next week and offered to talk directly with Tehran. "These remain early days, and we don't anticipate an immediate breakthrough as there will be difficult discussions ahead. But we believe this is a healthy step forward," State Department spokesman Ned Price was quoted as saying by news agency AFP. "We do not anticipate presently that there will be direct talks between the United States and Iran through this process, though the United States remains open to them." Earlier on Friday, the European Union (EU) announced an in-person meeting of all parties in Vienna of the 2015 nuclear deal, named the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, from which the US under former president Donald Trump pulled off. Also read | Iran rejects meeting US at nuclear deal talks in Vienna Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif confirmed the Islamic Republic's presence in the meeting, but denied any meeting with the US, calling it "unnecessary". The meeting aimed to "rapidly finalise sanction-lifting and nuclear measures for choreographed removal of all sanctions, followed by Iran ceasing remedial measures," Zarif said. "No Iran-US meeting. Unnecessary," the Iranian foreign minister wrote on Twitter. US President Joe Biden has said that Washington would return to the nuclear accord if Tehran agrees to follow its commitments under the deal. However, Iran has insisted on lifting off the sanctions imposed under Trump before beginning any negotiations.

US confirms participation in nuclear deal meet, 'open' to talk with Iran

French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday urged Iran to stop aggravating the already grave crisis over its nuclear programme by multiplying violations of the 2015 deal with world powers on its atomic programme.

"Iran must stop worsening the nuclear situation that is already serious by accumulating violations of the Vienna accord," Macron told reporters alongside visiting Israeli President Reuven Rivlin.

"Iran must make the expected gestures and behave in a responsible manner," he said.

Watch |&nbsp;

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The new administration of US President Joe Biden has indicated it is prepared to re-enter the nuclear deal after Donald Trump walked out in 2015, but so far there has been no sign of any breakthrough as Tehran ramps up its nuclear work.

"France is fully mobilised for a relaunch of a credible process to find a solution to this crisis," Macron added. "This means returning to a control and supervision of the Iranian nuclear programme while also integrating a control of Iran's ballistic activity in the region."

Biden's administration has said it will rejoin the deal and start lifting sanctions against Iran if it returns to full compliance.

But Tehran rejected this precondition, pressing on with increasing nuclear work in retaliation for Trump's so-called "maximum pressure" sanctions policy to weaken the Iranian regime, which has had no official relations with Washington for four decades.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday urged Iran to stop aggravating the already grave crisis over its nuclear programme by multiplying violations of the 2015 deal with world powers on its atomic programme.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday urged Iran to stop aggravating the already grave crisis over its nuclear programme by multiplying violations of the 2015 deal with world powers on its atomic programme. "Iran must stop worsening the nuclear situation that is already serious by accumulating violations of the Vienna accord," Macron told reporters alongside visiting Israeli President Reuven Rivlin. "Iran must make the expected gestures and behave in a responsible manner," he said. Watch | The new administration of US President Joe Biden has indicated it is prepared to re-enter the nuclear deal after Donald Trump walked out in 2015, but so far there has been no sign of any breakthrough as Tehran ramps up its nuclear work. "France is fully mobilised for a relaunch of a credible process to find a solution to this crisis," Macron added. "This means returning to a control and supervision of the Iranian nuclear programme while also integrating a control of Iran's ballistic activity in the region." Biden's administration has said it will rejoin the deal and start lifting sanctions against Iran if it returns to full compliance. But Tehran rejected this precondition, pressing on with increasing nuclear work in retaliation for Trump's so-called "maximum pressure" sanctions policy to weaken the Iranian regime, which has had no official relations with Washington for four decades.

France's Macron urges Iran to 'stop worsening' nuclear crisis

Iran's&nbsp;defence ministry said today&nbsp;top nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh has been assassinated.

"Unfortunately, the medical team did not succeed in reviving (Fakhrizadeh), and a few minutes ago, this manager and scientist achieved the high status of martyrdom after years of effort and struggle," Iran's armed forces said in a statement.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Terrorists murdered an eminent Iranian scientist today. This cowardice—with serious indications of Israeli role—shows desperate warmongering of perpetrators 
 
Iran calls on int'l community—and especially EU—to end their shameful double standards &amp; condemn this act of state terror.
— Javad Zarif (@JZarif) <a href="https://twitter.com/JZarif/status/1332345633425022976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Fakhrizadeh's bodyguard was reportedly killed. The high-level nuclear scientist is referred to as "Iran’s Robert Oppenheimer" and is known as the "father" of Iran's nuclear programme.

According to reports,&nbsp;Fakhrizadeh's&nbsp;assassination&nbsp;took place in Absard in Tehran's Damavand county.&nbsp;

Terrorists reportedly bombed a car before opening fire at Fakhrizadeh's car.&nbsp;Iranian media reported Fakhrizadeh died of injuries in hospital after armed assassins fired at his car.

Iran's foreign minister Mohammad Javed Zarif condemned the nuclear scientist's assassination as a "terrorist act".

Iran's defence ministry said today top nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh has been assassinated. "Unfortunately, the medical team did not succeed in reviving (Fakhrizadeh), and a few minutes ago, this manager and scientist achieved the high status of martyrdom after years of effort and struggle," Iran's armed forces said in a statement.

Iran's defence ministry said today top nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh has been assassinated. "Unfortunately, the medical team did not succeed in reviving (Fakhrizadeh), and a few minutes ago, this manager and scientist achieved the high status of martyrdom after years of effort and struggle," Iran's armed forces said in a statement. Terrorists murdered an eminent Iranian scientist today. This cowardice—with serious indications of Israeli role—shows desperate warmongering of perpetrators Iran calls on int'l community—and especially EU—to end their shameful double standards & condemn this act of state terror. — Javad Zarif (@JZarif) November 27, 2020 × Fakhrizadeh's bodyguard was reportedly killed. The high-level nuclear scientist is referred to as "Iran’s Robert Oppenheimer" and is known as the "father" of Iran's nuclear programme. According to reports, Fakhrizadeh's assassination took place in Absard in Tehran's Damavand county. Terrorists reportedly bombed a car before opening fire at Fakhrizadeh's car. Iranian media reported Fakhrizadeh died of injuries in hospital after armed assassins fired at his car. Iran's foreign minister Mohammad Javed Zarif condemned the nuclear scientist's assassination as a "terrorist act".

Iran's top nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh assassinated

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-has-right-to-self-defence-says-israels-benjamin-netanyahu-after-soleimanis-killing-271977">Israel</a>'s energy minister said on Tuesday it is too early to determine whether Iran is on the path towards building a nuclear weapon after it announced it would abandon limitations on enriching uranium.

"It's too early to say," the minister, Yuval Steinitz, told Israel Radio when asked if Iran was on the way towards constructing an atomic bomb. "We have to wait and see."

Watch: Israel - Saturday's flood killed two people in Tel Aviv city

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On Sunday, two days after a US&nbsp;drone strike in Baghdad killed a top Iranian military commander, Tehran said it would abandon limitations on enriching uranium.

Iran has already breached many of the restrictions of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-will-never-have-a-nuclear-weapon-says-trump-as-tehran-mourns-suleimani-272585">2015 nuclear deal</a> with world powers, from which the United States withdrew in 2018.

But Iran also has said it would continue to cooperate with the UN&nbsp;nuclear watchdog and could quickly reverse its steps if US&nbsp;sanctions are removed.

Steinitz, a member of Israel's security cabinet, reiterated <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israels-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-in-apparent-stumble-calls-israel-a-nuclear-power-272310">Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu</a>'s pledge that Israel would never allow arch-enemy Iran to have nuclear weapons.

But he appeared to try to distance Israel - whose military, according to Army Radio, went on alert after Friday's US&nbsp;strike in Iraq - from the current heightened tensions between the United States and Iran.

"We are standing on the sidelines, observing events," he said.

Israel's energy minister said on Tuesday it is too early to determine whether Iran is on the path towards building a nuclear weapon after it announced it would abandon limitations on enriching uranium.

Israel's energy minister said on Tuesday it is too early to determine whether Iran is on the path towards building a nuclear weapon after it announced it would abandon limitations on enriching uranium. "It's too early to say," the minister, Yuval Steinitz, told Israel Radio when asked if Iran was on the way towards constructing an atomic bomb. "We have to wait and see." Watch: Israel - Saturday's flood killed two people in Tel Aviv city × On Sunday, two days after a US drone strike in Baghdad killed a top Iranian military commander, Tehran said it would abandon limitations on enriching uranium. Iran has already breached many of the restrictions of the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, from which the United States withdrew in 2018. But Iran also has said it would continue to cooperate with the UN nuclear watchdog and could quickly reverse its steps if US sanctions are removed. Steinitz, a member of Israel's security cabinet, reiterated Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's pledge that Israel would never allow arch-enemy Iran to have nuclear weapons. But he appeared to try to distance Israel - whose military, according to Army Radio, went on alert after Friday's US strike in Iraq - from the current heightened tensions between the United States and Iran. "We are standing on the sidelines, observing events," he said.

Too early to say if Iran on path towards nuclear weapon: Israeli minister

The UN nuclear watchdog on Thursday urged Iran to explain the presence of uranium particles at an undeclared site, as a landmark deal aimed at curbing Tehran's atomic activities threatens to collapse.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said in a report made public last week that its inspectors had "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uranium-particles-detected-at-undeclared-site-in-iran-iaea-report-261503">detected natural uranium particles</a> of anthropogenic origin at a location in Iran not declared to the agency".&nbsp;

The agency's acting head Cornel Feruta said IAEA and Iranian officials would meet in Tehran next week to discuss the matter, adding that the UN body had not received any additional information.&nbsp;

"The matter remains unresolved... It is essential that Iran works with the agency to resolve this matter promptly," he told IAEA member states at a meeting of the agency's board of governors.

A diplomatic source told AFP that the IAEA would send a high-ranking technical delegation to Iran next week.

The particles are understood to be the product of uranium which has been mined and undergone initial processing, but not enriched.

While the IAEA has not named the site in question, diplomatic sources have previously said the agency asked Iran about a site in the Turquzabad district of Tehran where Israel has alleged secret atomic activity in the past.

Sources say the IAEA took samples from the site in the spring and that Iran has been slow in providing answers to explain the test results.

The 2015 deal between Iran and world powers has been faltering since last year when the United States pulled out and started to reinstate punishing sanctions on Tehran, leaving the other signatories struggling to salvage the agreement.

Over the past few months, Iran has breached several parts of the deal it signed with the US as well as Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia, in which it committed to scaling back its nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief.

But Britain, France and Germany have said they are extremely <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-accuses-europeans-of-hypocrisy-over-nuclear-deal-261577">concerned by Iran's actions</a> in stepping up its uranium enrichment and other breaches.

Enrichment is the process that produces fuel for nuclear power plants but also, in highly extended form, the fissile core for a warhead.

On Monday, the IAEA confirmed Iran's stock of heavy water for reactors has surpassed the 130-tonne limit set under the agreement.

Heavy water is not itself radioactive but is used in nuclear reactors to absorb neutrons from nuclear fission.

Heavy water reactors can be used to produce plutonium for nuclear weapons as an alternative to enriched uranium.

The IAEA has also said one of its inspectors was briefly prevented from leaving Iran, calling her treatment "not acceptable".

Iran has cancelled the inspector's accreditation, saying she triggered a security check at the entrance gate to the Natanz enrichment plant last month.

The IAEA has disputed the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-rejects-reports-of-iaea-finding-traces-of-uranium-at-unnamed-site-261172">Iranian account of the incident</a>, without going into details.

The UN nuclear watchdog on Thursday urged Iran to explain the presence of uranium particles at an undeclared site, as a landmark deal aimed at curbing Tehran's atomic activities threatens to collapse.

The UN nuclear watchdog on Thursday urged Iran to explain the presence of uranium particles at an undeclared site, as a landmark deal aimed at curbing Tehran's atomic activities threatens to collapse. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said in a report made public last week that its inspectors had "detected natural uranium particles of anthropogenic origin at a location in Iran not declared to the agency". The agency's acting head Cornel Feruta said IAEA and Iranian officials would meet in Tehran next week to discuss the matter, adding that the UN body had not received any additional information. "The matter remains unresolved... It is essential that Iran works with the agency to resolve this matter promptly," he told IAEA member states at a meeting of the agency's board of governors. A diplomatic source told AFP that the IAEA would send a high-ranking technical delegation to Iran next week. The particles are understood to be the product of uranium which has been mined and undergone initial processing, but not enriched. While the IAEA has not named the site in question, diplomatic sources have previously said the agency asked Iran about a site in the Turquzabad district of Tehran where Israel has alleged secret atomic activity in the past. Sources say the IAEA took samples from the site in the spring and that Iran has been slow in providing answers to explain the test results. The 2015 deal between Iran and world powers has been faltering since last year when the United States pulled out and started to reinstate punishing sanctions on Tehran, leaving the other signatories struggling to salvage the agreement. Over the past few months, Iran has breached several parts of the deal it signed with the US as well as Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia, in which it committed to scaling back its nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief. But Britain, France and Germany have said they are extremely concerned by Iran's actions in stepping up its uranium enrichment and other breaches. Enrichment is the process that produces fuel for nuclear power plants but also, in highly extended form, the fissile core for a warhead. On Monday, the IAEA confirmed Iran's stock of heavy water for reactors has surpassed the 130-tonne limit set under the agreement. Heavy water is not itself radioactive but is used in nuclear reactors to absorb neutrons from nuclear fission. Heavy water reactors can be used to produce plutonium for nuclear weapons as an alternative to enriched uranium. The IAEA has also said one of its inspectors was briefly prevented from leaving Iran, calling her treatment "not acceptable". Iran has cancelled the inspector's accreditation, saying she triggered a security check at the entrance gate to the Natanz enrichment plant last month. The IAEA has disputed the Iranian account of the incident, without going into details.

IAEA urges Iran to explain uranium particles at undeclared site

Representatives of Iran, Germany, France, Britain, China, Russia and the European Union met in Vienna to discuss the 2015 agreement that restricts the Iranian nuclear program. Watch video to know more

EU, China and Russia meet Iran in Vienna

The&nbsp;United States and its negotiating partners granted secret exemptions to Iran that allowed the country to launch their nuclear program in January this year, according a report published yesterday. 
 
The report released by the Washington-based Institute for Science and International Security is based on information provided by several officials of governments involved in the negotiations, Reuters reported. 
 
&#39;One senior knowledgeable official stated that if the Joint Commission had not acted to create these exemptions, some of Iran&rsquo;s nuclear facilities would not have been in compliance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) by Implementation Day,&#39; the report stated. 
 
The report said that the JCPOA had placed some limitations on Iran&#39;s nuclear program that needed to be met by January 16, 2016. 
 
Most of the conditions were met by Iran, the report said. But some of the &#39;nuclear stocks and facilities were not in accordance with JCPOA limits on Implementation Day&#39;, the authors of the report David Albright and Andrea Stricker found. 
 
A statement issued by Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump&#39;s campaign pointed a finger towards Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton, Reuters reported. 
 
&quot;The deeply flawed nuclear deal Hillary Clinton secretly spearheaded with Iran looks worse and worse by the day,&quot; said retired Army General Michael Flynn, a top Trump adviser. &quot;It&rsquo;s now clear President Obama gave away the store to secure a weak agreement that is full of loopholes.&quot; 
 
White House criticised the report yesterday, defending its approval of Iran&#39;s nuclear program. 
 
&quot;Iran is in compliance with the agreement. That&#39;s not my opinion. That&#39;s not rhetoric. That is not a conjecture. That is a fact that is verified by independent international experts who, because of the agreement, now have the kind of access that is required to verify it,&quot; CNN reported spokesman Josh Earnest as saying. 
 
The report included a 3-point list on the exemptions that were in effect on Implementation Day. 
 
The exemptions included a loophole involving the amount of low enriched uranium the country was allowed to keep in storage. Iran. According to &#39;one knowledgeable senior official&#39;, Iran would have exceeded the 300-kilogram limitation if the exemptions had not been given. 
 
The commission also allowed Iran to operate 19 hot cells larger than specified dimensions which could be &#39;misused for secret, small-scale plutonium separation efforts&#39;. Plutonium is one&nbsp;of the most commonly used material for nuclear weapons. 
 
The authors asserted that the decision to keep the exemptions confidential was a &#39;potentially agreement-weakening decision&#39; by the Joint Commission. &#39;United States should agree to any exemptions or loopholes in the JCPOA only if the decisions are simultaneously made public,&#39; the authors said. 
 
The authors raised a question on whether Iran was using the leeway given to them to &#39;weaken as many JCPOA limitations as possible&#39;. The think-tank report called for the exemption process and the joint commission decision to be transparent. 
 
You can read the original report here: http://isis-online.org/isis-reports/detail/jcpoa-exemptions-revealed 
 
(WION)

The report states that some of Iran's nuclear stocks and facilities were not in accordance with the joint commission's limits

The United States and its negotiating partners granted secret exemptions to Iran that allowed the country to launch their nuclear program in January this year, according a report published yesterday. The report released by the Washington-based Institute for Science and International Security is based on information provided by several officials of governments involved in the negotiations, Reuters reported. 'One senior knowledgeable official stated that if the Joint Commission had not acted to create these exemptions, some of Iran’s nuclear facilities would not have been in compliance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) by Implementation Day,' the report stated. The report said that the JCPOA had placed some limitations on Iran's nuclear program that needed to be met by January 16, 2016. Most of the conditions were met by Iran, the report said. But some of the 'nuclear stocks and facilities were not in accordance with JCPOA limits on Implementation Day', the authors of the report David Albright and Andrea Stricker found. A statement issued by Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump's campaign pointed a finger towards Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton, Reuters reported. "The deeply flawed nuclear deal Hillary Clinton secretly spearheaded with Iran looks worse and worse by the day," said retired Army General Michael Flynn, a top Trump adviser. "It’s now clear President Obama gave away the store to secure a weak agreement that is full of loopholes." White House criticised the report yesterday, defending its approval of Iran's nuclear program. "Iran is in compliance with the agreement. That's not my opinion. That's not rhetoric. That is not a conjecture. That is a fact that is verified by independent international experts who, because of the agreement, now have the kind of access that is required to verify it," CNN reported spokesman Josh Earnest as saying. The report included a 3-point list on the exemptions that were in effect on Implementation Day. The exemptions included a loophole involving the amount of low enriched uranium the country was allowed to keep in storage. Iran. According to 'one knowledgeable senior official', Iran would have exceeded the 300-kilogram limitation if the exemptions had not been given. The commission also allowed Iran to operate 19 hot cells larger than specified dimensions which could be 'misused for secret, small-scale plutonium separation efforts'. Plutonium is one of the most commonly used material for nuclear weapons. The authors asserted that the decision to keep the exemptions confidential was a 'potentially agreement-weakening decision' by the Joint Commission. 'United States should agree to any exemptions or loopholes in the JCPOA only if the decisions are simultaneously made public,' the authors said. The authors raised a question on whether Iran was using the leeway given to them to 'weaken as many JCPOA limitations as possible'. The think-tank report called for the exemption process and the joint commission decision to be transparent. You can read the original report here: http://isis-online.org/isis-reports/detail/jcpoa-exemptions-revealed (WION)

Secret exemptions granted to Iran for nuclear deal