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

Iran has issued a stark warning amid escalating tensions with the United States, saying it could enrich uranium to 90% purity, a level considered weapons-grade if it comes under attack again. The warning comes as fragile peace talks continue and concerns grow over Tehran’s nuclear ambitions following recent U.S. and Israeli strikes.


US-Iran War: Iran Warns of 90% Uranium Enrichment if It is Attacked Again 

Iran has firmly stated that its stockpile of enriched uranium will not be transferred anywhere, rejecting claims made by Donald Trump that the material could be moved as part of negotiations. Iranian officials stressed the uranium remains under national control and is central to the country’s nuclear policy amid ongoing tensions linked to the US–Iran conflict.

US-Iran War: Iran Says Its Enriched Uranium Won't be Transferred Anywhere 

The head of the UN’s nuclear agency has warned that Iran could begin enriching uranium again for a potential nuclear bomb within months. Rafael Grossi, Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said US airstrikes on Iranian sites had done “severe but not total” damage, pushing back on Donald Trump’s claim that Iran’s nuclear programme had been “totally obliterated”.“Frankly speaking, one cannot claim that everything has disappeared and there is nothing there,” Grossi told CBS News on Saturday. He added that Iran retains the “industrial and technological capacities” needed to restart uranium enrichment if it chooses to.<h2>Iran’s nuclear facilities hit by US and Israel</h2>On 13 June, Israel carried out strikes on several of Iran’s nuclear and military sites, claiming Tehran was nearing the development of a nuclear weapon. The United States later joined in, targeting key locations including Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan with B-2 bombers and precision munitions. Despite these attacks, Grossi said Iran could have “a few cascades of centrifuges spinning and producing enriched uranium” in a matter of months. But how can one make a nuclear bomb?Note: Don't try this at home, or you might risk ‘pre-emptive’ strikes.<h2>How to make a nuclear bomb?</h2>In principle, building a nuclear bomb requires reaching a critical mass of radioactive material to trigger a chain reaction. But the main challenge lies in acquiring the required material, plutonium or enriched uranium.<h2>How to enrich Uranium?</h2>Uranium is naturally found as uranium-238 and uranium-235. Only uranium-235 can sustain a nuclear chain reaction. But since less than 1% of natural uranium is uranium-235, it must be enriched to increase its concentration.To do this, uranium is converted into a gas, typically uranium hexafluoride, and spun through centrifuges to separate the lighter uranium-235 from the heavier uranium-238. This process is repeated thousands of times until the desired enrichment level is achieved.<h2>How enriched uranium fuels both power and weapons?</h2>Civilian nuclear reactors typically use uranium enriched to 3%–5%, just enough to generate electricity. For a nuclear bomb, uranium must be enriched to 80%–90% a level called “weapons-grade”. Around 50 kilograms of this enriched uranium can be enough for a bomb.Alternatively, plutonium, produced as a by-product in nuclear reactors, can also be used. Only 10 kilograms is needed for a bomb, and it’s often the preferred material for missile-mounted warheads due to its lighter weight.<h2>How much-enriched uranium Iran has?</h2>According to the IAEA, Iran has already enriched uranium to 60% purity. While that isn’t weapons-grade, the jump from 60% to 90% is technically easier than reaching the initial 60% from natural uranium. This has sparked international concern, especially since the same centrifuge technology used for peaceful nuclear energy can be repurposed for weapons development.<h2>Civilian use versus military use of nuclear technology</h2>Nuclear technology isn’t only for warfare. Controlled chain reactions in nuclear reactors produce around 9% of global electricity and are vital in medicine, particularly for diagnostics and treatment of diseases. However, the dual-use nature of uranium enrichment has made it one of the most tightly monitored processes in international security, with the IAEA playing a key role in oversight.

In principle, building a nuclear bomb requires reaching a critical mass of radioactive material to trigger a chain reaction. But the main challenge lies in acquiring the required material, plutonium or enriched uranium.

The head of the UN’s nuclear agency has warned that Iran could begin enriching uranium again for a potential nuclear bomb within months. Rafael Grossi, Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said US airstrikes on Iranian sites had done “severe but not total” damage, pushing back on Donald Trump’s claim that Iran’s nuclear programme had been “totally obliterated”. “Frankly speaking, one cannot claim that everything has disappeared and there is nothing there,” Grossi told CBS News on Saturday. He added that Iran retains the “industrial and technological capacities” needed to restart uranium enrichment if it chooses to. Iran’s nuclear facilities hit by US and Israel On 13 June, Israel carried out strikes on several of Iran’s nuclear and military sites, claiming Tehran was nearing the development of a nuclear weapon. The United States later joined in, targeting key locations including Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan with B-2 bombers and precision munitions. Despite these attacks, Grossi said Iran could have “a few cascades of centrifuges spinning and producing enriched uranium” in a matter of months. But how can one make a nuclear bomb? Note: Don't try this at home, or you might risk ‘pre-emptive’ strikes. How to make a nuclear bomb? In principle, building a nuclear bomb requires reaching a critical mass of radioactive material to trigger a chain reaction. But the main challenge lies in acquiring the required material, plutonium or enriched uranium. How to enrich Uranium? Uranium is naturally found as uranium-238 and uranium-235. Only uranium-235 can sustain a nuclear chain reaction. But since less than 1% of natural uranium is uranium-235, it must be enriched to increase its concentration. To do this, uranium is converted into a gas, typically uranium hexafluoride, and spun through centrifuges to separate the lighter uranium-235 from the heavier uranium-238. This process is repeated thousands of times until the desired enrichment level is achieved. How enriched uranium fuels both power and weapons? Civilian nuclear reactors typically use uranium enriched to 3%–5%, just enough to generate electricity. For a nuclear bomb, uranium must be enriched to 80%–90% a level called “weapons-grade”. Around 50 kilograms of this enriched uranium can be enough for a bomb. Alternatively, plutonium, produced as a by-product in nuclear reactors, can also be used. Only 10 kilograms is needed for a bomb, and it’s often the preferred material for missile-mounted warheads due to its lighter weight. How much-enriched uranium Iran has? According to the IAEA, Iran has already enriched uranium to 60% purity. While that isn’t weapons-grade, the jump from 60% to 90% is technically easier than reaching the initial 60% from natural uranium. This has sparked international concern, especially since the same centrifuge technology used for peaceful nuclear energy can be repurposed for weapons development. Civilian use versus military use of nuclear technology Nuclear technology isn’t only for warfare. Controlled chain reactions in nuclear reactors produce around 9% of global electricity and are vital in medicine, particularly for diagnostics and treatment of diseases. However, the dual-use nature of uranium enrichment has made it one of the most tightly monitored processes in international security, with the IAEA playing a key role in oversight.

In principle, building a nuclear bomb requires reaching a critical mass of radioactive material to trigger a chain reaction. But the main challenge lies in acquiring the required material, plutonium or enriched uranium.

How to make a nuclear bomb? Assembling a nuke isn’t hard part, getting the uranium is. Here’s how Iran could do it

After Israel and the US attacked Iran's nuclear facilities, Iran has still stocks of enriched uranium left, which is used to make nuclear weapons, sources close to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei told AFP, adding that the "game is not over".According to satellite images, Israeli intel suggested that Iran shifted near-weapons-grade fuel ahead of the US attack on its nuclear facilities.The US used bunker-buster bombs to hit Iranian nuclear facilities, saying that it attacked Natanz, Isfahan and Fordow nuclear facilities.Iran may have moved 400 kilograms of enriched uranium, which is quite enough to produce up to ten nuclear bombs, according to a report by The New York Times.All this happened before the US deployed B-2 bombers into Iran's nuclear sites, US and Israeli officials said, according to NYT.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/b-2-bomber-or-a-flying-hotel-stealth-bombers-us-used-to-attack-iran-has-bunk-beds-noodles-candies-and-more-1750768557548">Also read: B-2 Bomber or a flying hotel? Stealth bombers US used to attack Iran has bunk beds, noodles, candies and more</a>&nbsp;Moreover, experts also warned that Iran has more underground sites that they have converted into uranium enrichment facilities. "I bet they dug a lot of facilities and didn't put anything in them," Jeffrey Lewis, professor at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, told The New York Post."Then they have opportunities to move different things around [like the materials from Fordow] and to bring different facilities into operation," he added."We don't know what was taken away but, obviously, it was something important," said David Albright, president of the Institute for Science and International Security. "They had stocks [of enriched uranium] and they had centrifuges. So, those are things they could have removed."He further said that Iran is unlikely to resume enrichment immediately, saying that the regime is too destabilised and risk-averse in the short term.Albright further warned that this pause might not last. Within "six months", Iran could regroup and begin operating centrifuges to enrich uranium to 60 per cent.&nbsp;

 Israeli intel suggested that Iran shifted near-weapons-grade fuel ahead of the US attack on its nuclear facilities.

After Israel and the US attacked Iran's nuclear facilities, Iran has still stocks of enriched uranium left, which is used to make nuclear weapons, sources close to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei told AFP, adding that the "game is not over". According to satellite images, Israeli intel suggested that Iran shifted near-weapons-grade fuel ahead of the US attack on its nuclear facilities. The US used bunker-buster bombs to hit Iranian nuclear facilities, saying that it attacked Natanz, Isfahan and Fordow nuclear facilities. Iran may have moved 400 kilograms of enriched uranium, which is quite enough to produce up to ten nuclear bombs, according to a report by The New York Times. All this happened before the US deployed B-2 bombers into Iran's nuclear sites, US and Israeli officials said, according to NYT. Also read: B-2 Bomber or a flying hotel? Stealth bombers US used to attack Iran has bunk beds, noodles, candies and more Moreover, experts also warned that Iran has more underground sites that they have converted into uranium enrichment facilities. "I bet they dug a lot of facilities and didn't put anything in them," Jeffrey Lewis, professor at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, told The New York Post. "Then they have opportunities to move different things around [like the materials from Fordow] and to bring different facilities into operation," he added. "We don't know what was taken away but, obviously, it was something important," said David Albright, president of the Institute for Science and International Security. "They had stocks [of enriched uranium] and they had centrifuges. So, those are things they could have removed." He further said that Iran is unlikely to resume enrichment immediately, saying that the regime is too destabilised and risk-averse in the short term. Albright further warned that this pause might not last. Within "six months", Iran could regroup and begin operating centrifuges to enrich uranium to 60 per cent.

&nbsp;Israeli intel suggested that Iran shifted near-weapons-grade fuel ahead of the US attack on its nuclear facilities.

'Enough to make 10 nuclear bombs': Did Iran hide 400 kg of Uranium before B-2 Bomber hit? Here's what we know

After Iran's uranium enrichment report, concerns have grown in the U.S. about Tehran's advancement of nuclear program.

The West Asia Post: U.S. Sounds alarm over Iran's uranium enrichment

Ahead of reviving the Iran nuclear deal, International Atomic Energy Agency has made some shocking revelations over Iran's nuclear programme. According to an IAEA report, Iran has now begun uranium enrichment with new advanced centrifuge at its underground Natanz nuclear site.

Iran using advanced centrifuges IR-6 for enriching Uranium: IAEA

Iran has escalated its uranium enrichment further with the use of advanced machines at its underground Fordow plant in a setup that can more easily change between enrichment levels, the U.N. atomic watchdog said in a report on Saturday seen by Reuters.

Western diplomats have long expressed concern about devices this cascade, or cluster, of centrifuges is equipped with.

The use of these so-called modified sub-headers means Iran could switch more quickly and easily to enriching to higher purity levels.

While Iran is required to inform the International Atomic Energy Agency about such a switch, if it chose not to, it might escape detection for some time as there is currently a lag between Iran's enrichment and IAEA inspectors' verification of what is produced.

"On 7 July 2022, Iran informed the Agency that, on the same day, it had begun feeding the aforementioned cascade with UF6 enriched up to 5% U-235," the confidential report to IAEA member states said.

UF6 refers to uranium hexafluoride gas which is fed into centrifuges to be enriched.

In a report on June 20 also seen by Reuters, the IAEA said that months after Iran informed it of its intention to use the cascade, Iran had begun feeding UF6 into it for passivation, a process that comes before enrichment.

The IAEA verified on July 6 that passivation had ended, Saturday's report said.

"On 9 July 2022, the Agency verified that Iran had begun feeding UF6 enriched up to 5% U-235 into the cascade of 166 IR-6 centrifuges with modified sub-headers for the declared purpose of producing UF6 enriched up to 20% U-235," it said.

Iran is already enriching to up to 60% elsewhere, well above the up to 20% it produced before its 2015 deal with major powers that capped its enrichment level at 3.67% but still below the roughly 90% of weapons grade.

The move is the latest step of many to breach and move well beyond the restrictions which the 2015 deal imposed on Iran's nuclear activities. It comes as talks to revive that deal are at an impasse and Western powers have warned time is running out to reach an agreement.

The United States pulled out of the deal in 2018 under then-President Donald Trump, re-imposing sanctions against Tehran that the deal had lifted.

A year later, Iran began retaliating by breaching the deal's restrictions.

Iran has escalated its uranium enrichment further with the use of advanced machines at its underground Fordow plant in a setup that can more easily change between enrichment levels, the U.

Iran has escalated its uranium enrichment further with the use of advanced machines at its underground Fordow plant in a setup that can more easily change between enrichment levels, the U.N. atomic watchdog said in a report on Saturday seen by Reuters. Western diplomats have long expressed concern about devices this cascade, or cluster, of centrifuges is equipped with. The use of these so-called modified sub-headers means Iran could switch more quickly and easily to enriching to higher purity levels. While Iran is required to inform the International Atomic Energy Agency about such a switch, if it chose not to, it might escape detection for some time as there is currently a lag between Iran's enrichment and IAEA inspectors' verification of what is produced. "On 7 July 2022, Iran informed the Agency that, on the same day, it had begun feeding the aforementioned cascade with UF6 enriched up to 5% U-235," the confidential report to IAEA member states said. UF6 refers to uranium hexafluoride gas which is fed into centrifuges to be enriched. In a report on June 20 also seen by Reuters, the IAEA said that months after Iran informed it of its intention to use the cascade, Iran had begun feeding UF6 into it for passivation, a process that comes before enrichment. The IAEA verified on July 6 that passivation had ended, Saturday's report said. "On 9 July 2022, the Agency verified that Iran had begun feeding UF6 enriched up to 5% U-235 into the cascade of 166 IR-6 centrifuges with modified sub-headers for the declared purpose of producing UF6 enriched up to 20% U-235," it said. Iran is already enriching to up to 60% elsewhere, well above the up to 20% it produced before its 2015 deal with major powers that capped its enrichment level at 3.67% but still below the roughly 90% of weapons grade. The move is the latest step of many to breach and move well beyond the restrictions which the 2015 deal imposed on Iran's nuclear activities. It comes as talks to revive that deal are at an impasse and Western powers have warned time is running out to reach an agreement. The United States pulled out of the deal in 2018 under then-President Donald Trump, re-imposing sanctions against Tehran that the deal had lifted. A year later, Iran began retaliating by breaching the deal's restrictions.

Iran escalates uranium enrichment with adaptable machines at Fordow, IAEA reports

WION's Jodie Cohen speaks with Ely Karmon, Senior Research Scholar at International Institute for Counter-Terrorism and former advisor to Israeli Defence Ministry over Iran's Uranium enrichment.

'Iran has 3,000 Kg of enriched uranium', says Ely Karmon

The chief of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Rafael Grossi said&nbsp; in an interview published Wednesday that the situation in Iran was “very concerning.”

He expressed alarm over Iran’s nuclear programme, spelling out his concern related to its uranium enrichment.

He said Iran is enriching uranium to levels that only countries seeking to make atomic weapons reach, and that the Islamic Republic’s nuclear programme can no longer be returned to where it stood when a landmark 2015 deal was struck with world powers.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-natanz-nuclear-facility-hit-by-terrorist-act-376895/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

“A country enriching at 60 per cent is a very serious thing — only countries making bombs are reaching this level,” International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi said in an interview with the Financial Times published on Wednesday and cited by the Reuters News Agency.

“Sixty per cent is almost weapons-grade, commercial enrichment is 2, 3 [per cent],” he said. “This is a degree that requires a vigilant eye.”&nbsp;

“You cannot put the genie back into the bottle — once you know how to do stuff, you know, and the only way to check this is through verification,” he said, referring to checks by UN monitors.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The chief of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Rafael Grossi said in an interview published Wednesday that the situation in Iran was “very concerning.

The chief of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Rafael Grossi said in an interview published Wednesday that the situation in Iran was “very concerning.” He expressed alarm over Iran’s nuclear programme, spelling out his concern related to its uranium enrichment. He said Iran is enriching uranium to levels that only countries seeking to make atomic weapons reach, and that the Islamic Republic’s nuclear programme can no longer be returned to where it stood when a landmark 2015 deal was struck with world powers. “A country enriching at 60 per cent is a very serious thing — only countries making bombs are reaching this level,” International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi said in an interview with the Financial Times published on Wednesday and cited by the Reuters News Agency. “Sixty per cent is almost weapons-grade, commercial enrichment is 2, 3 [per cent],” he said. “This is a degree that requires a vigilant eye.” “You cannot put the genie back into the bottle — once you know how to do stuff, you know, and the only way to check this is through verification,” he said, referring to checks by UN monitors. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran’s uranium enrichment now at levels of ‘countries making bombs’: IAEA chief

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani has said that Tehran's decision to boost uranium enrichment to 60% was a response to Israel's "nuclear terrorism," three days after an attack on its Natanz nuclear facility.

Iran says 60% Uranium enrichment answer to 'nuclear terrorism'

Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, alongside visiting Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, said the Natanz attack could hurt negotiations over its tattered atomic deal with world powers.

Iran to begin 60% enrichment after Natanz-site incident

In what can be a show of its intention to breach the 2015 accord, Iran has decided to enrich uranium to up to 20 per cent at its Fordow site buried inside a mountain. Iran has conveyed this to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the United Nations nuclear watchdog. This is the latest move on in several recent Iranian announcements to IAEA signifying that it is further breaching the nuclear deal. The violations started in 2019 in retaliation for USA's unilateral withdrawal from the agreement and reimposition of sanctions against Tehran.

Iran's parliament passed a law last month which had mention of enrichment of uranium. The law was passed in response to the killing of Iran's top nuclear scientist

Such moves by Iran could complicate efforts by U.S. President-elect Joe Biden to rejoin the deal. 
"Iran has informed the Agency that in order to comply with a legal act recently passed by the country`s parliament, the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran intends to produce low-enriched uranium (LEU) up to 20 per cent at the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant," the IAEA said in a statement.

An IAEA report to member states earlier on Friday obtained by Reuters used similar wording in describing a letter by Iran to the IAEA dated Dec. 31.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-iran-beef-up-military-activity-in-gulf-ahead-of-soleimanis-first-death-anniversary-354027">US, Iran beef up military activity in Gulf ahead of Soleimani's first death anniversary</a>

"Iran`s letter to the Agency ... did not say when this enrichment activity would take place," the IAEA statement said.

The tension between Iran and US <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-iran-beef-up-military-activity-in-gulf-ahead-of-soleimanis-first-death-anniversary-354027">has increased</a> as the first anniversary of killing of Iranian Major General Qassem Soleimani. He was killed on January 3, 2019, in US strike outside Baghdad airport.

(With Reuters inputs)

In what can be a show of its intention to breach the 2015 accord, Iran has decided to enrich uranium to up to 20 per cent at its Fordow site buried inside a mountain.

In what can be a show of its intention to breach the 2015 accord, Iran has decided to enrich uranium to up to 20 per cent at its Fordow site buried inside a mountain. Iran has conveyed this to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the United Nations nuclear watchdog. This is the latest move on in several recent Iranian announcements to IAEA signifying that it is further breaching the nuclear deal. The violations started in 2019 in retaliation for USA's unilateral withdrawal from the agreement and reimposition of sanctions against Tehran. Iran's parliament passed a law last month which had mention of enrichment of uranium. The law was passed in response to the killing of Iran's top nuclear scientist Such moves by Iran could complicate efforts by U.S. President-elect Joe Biden to rejoin the deal. "Iran has informed the Agency that in order to comply with a legal act recently passed by the country`s parliament, the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran intends to produce low-enriched uranium (LEU) up to 20 per cent at the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant," the IAEA said in a statement. An IAEA report to member states earlier on Friday obtained by Reuters used similar wording in describing a letter by Iran to the IAEA dated Dec. 31. Also Read | US, Iran beef up military activity in Gulf ahead of Soleimani's first death anniversary "Iran`s letter to the Agency ... did not say when this enrichment activity would take place," the IAEA statement said. The tension between Iran and US has increased as the first anniversary of killing of Iranian Major General Qassem Soleimani. He was killed on January 3, 2019, in US strike outside Baghdad airport. (With Reuters inputs)

Iran plans to enrich uranium to up to 20 per cent, conveys IAEA

How close is Iran to producing a nuclear bomb?

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in a report that it had&nbsp;detected uranium particles at an undeclared site in Iran&nbsp;in breach of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-slams-iran-intimidation-of-iaea-inspector-as-outrageous-260911">2015 nuclear deal</a>.

News agency AFP which accessed the&nbsp;report said&nbsp;that the Rouhani government's nuclear stockpile had reached the equivalent of 551 kilogrammes which was way more than 300-kilogramme limit laid down in the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action(JCPOA).

"Since 9 November 2019, Iran has been conducting uranium enrichment at the plant," Reuters quoting the report said.

Iran had resumed enrichment at the Fordow plant on Thursday.

Last week, Iran had said it was enriching uranium to five per cent even though the nuclear deal signed in 2015 had set the limit to a 3.67 per cent limit.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/european-union-concerned-by-irans-nuclear-deal-breach-261502/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Based on our needs and what we have been ordered, we are currently producing five per cent," Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran spokesman said. Kamalvandi added that Iran had the &nbsp;"capacity to produce five per cent, twenty per cent, sixty per cent, or any percentage" of enriched uranium.

On July 1, Iran had said it had increased its stockpile of enriched uranium to beyond a 300-kilogramme maximum set by the deal, it later said the enrichment cap had been exceeded.

The report said the IAEA's inspectors had "detected natural uranium particles of anthropogenic origin at a location in Iran not declared to the agency," while adding that, "it was essential for Iran to continue interactions with the agency to resolve the matter as soon as possible."

On Sunday, Iran rejected the IAEA report that it had found traces of uranium at an Iranian site calling it a "trap".

"The Zionist regime and Israel are attempting to re-open ... this file," Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said.

"We have announced that this is a trap," Mousavi said.

"Hopefully the IAEA will maintain its vigilance." &nbsp;

As the nuclear controversy brewed, Germany's foreign minister said Heiko Maas said Germany, Britain and France should be ready to consider starting moves to reinstate international sanctions on Iran over breaches of its 2015 nuclear deal.

"Iran must finally return to its commitments (under the 2015 accord)," German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said, adding,"otherwise we will reserve the right to use all mechanisms specified in the deal (for sanctions to be reimposed)."

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in a report that it had detected uranium particles at an undeclared site in Iran in breach of the 2015 nuclear deal. News agency AFP which accessed the report said that the Rouhani government's nuclear stockpile had reached the equivalent of 551 kilogrammes which was way more than 300-kilogramme limit laid down in the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action(JCPOA).

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in a report that it had detected uranium particles at an undeclared site in Iran in breach of the 2015 nuclear deal. News agency AFP which accessed the report said that the Rouhani government's nuclear stockpile had reached the equivalent of 551 kilogrammes which was way more than 300-kilogramme limit laid down in the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action(JCPOA). "Since 9 November 2019, Iran has been conducting uranium enrichment at the plant," Reuters quoting the report said. Iran had resumed enrichment at the Fordow plant on Thursday. Last week, Iran had said it was enriching uranium to five per cent even though the nuclear deal signed in 2015 had set the limit to a 3.67 per cent limit. Watch Video: "Based on our needs and what we have been ordered, we are currently producing five per cent," Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran spokesman said. Kamalvandi added that Iran had the "capacity to produce five per cent, twenty per cent, sixty per cent, or any percentage" of enriched uranium. On July 1, Iran had said it had increased its stockpile of enriched uranium to beyond a 300-kilogramme maximum set by the deal, it later said the enrichment cap had been exceeded. The report said the IAEA's inspectors had "detected natural uranium particles of anthropogenic origin at a location in Iran not declared to the agency," while adding that, "it was essential for Iran to continue interactions with the agency to resolve the matter as soon as possible." On Sunday, Iran rejected the IAEA report that it had found traces of uranium at an Iranian site calling it a "trap". "The Zionist regime and Israel are attempting to re-open ... this file," Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said. "We have announced that this is a trap," Mousavi said. "Hopefully the IAEA will maintain its vigilance." As the nuclear controversy brewed, Germany's foreign minister said Heiko Maas said Germany, Britain and France should be ready to consider starting moves to reinstate international sanctions on Iran over breaches of its 2015 nuclear deal. "Iran must finally return to its commitments (under the 2015 accord)," German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said, adding,"otherwise we will reserve the right to use all mechanisms specified in the deal (for sanctions to be reimposed)."

Uranium particles detected at undeclared site in Iran: IAEA report

Iran escalates the Nuclear Threat; Uranium Enrichment at Fordow Plant resumes. To know more watch the video.

Iran escalates the Nuclear Threat

President Hassan Rouhani said Tuesday that Iran would resume uranium enrichment at an underground plant south of Tehran in its latest step back from a troubled 2015 agreement with major powers.

The suspension of all enrichment at the Fordow plant in the mountains near the Shiite holy city of Qom was one of the restrictions on its nuclear activities that Iran accepted in return for the lifting of international sanctions.

But Washington's abandonment of the deal in May last year followed by its reimposition of crippling sanctions prompted Iran to begin a phased suspension of its own commitments in May this year.

Rouhani recalled that under the terms of the agreement Iran had retained more than 1,000 centrifuges at the plant which had been running empty since it went into effect.

"Starting from tomorrow (Wednesday), we will begin injecting (uranium hexafluoride) gas at Fordo," Rouhani said in a speech broadcast by state television.

Iran said the whole process would be carried out transparently witnessed by inspectors from the UN nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency.

The move is the fourth announced by Iran since it began responding to Washington's abandonment of its commitments.

Iran has repeatedly warned the remaining parties to the deal -- Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia -- that the agreement can only be rescued if they help it circumvent US sanctions.

European governments have strived to come up with a mechanism that would allow foreign firms to continue to do business with Iran without incurring US penalties.

But to Iran's mounting frustration, their efforts have so far failed to have any significant impact.

The European Union warned Monday that its continued support for the deal depended on Tehran fulfilling its commitments.

Maja Kocijancic, spokeswoman for EU diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini, said the bloc "remains committed" to the nuclear deal.

"We have continued to urge Iran to reverse such steps without delay and to refrain from other measures that would undermine the nuclear deal," Kocijancic told reporters in Brussels.

"But we have also been consistent in saying that our commitment to the nuclear deal depends on full compliance by Iran."

President Hassan Rouhani said Tuesday that Iran would resume uranium enrichment at an underground plant south of Tehran in its latest step back from a troubled 2015 agreement with major powers.

President Hassan Rouhani said Tuesday that Iran would resume uranium enrichment at an underground plant south of Tehran in its latest step back from a troubled 2015 agreement with major powers. The suspension of all enrichment at the Fordow plant in the mountains near the Shiite holy city of Qom was one of the restrictions on its nuclear activities that Iran accepted in return for the lifting of international sanctions. But Washington's abandonment of the deal in May last year followed by its reimposition of crippling sanctions prompted Iran to begin a phased suspension of its own commitments in May this year. Rouhani recalled that under the terms of the agreement Iran had retained more than 1,000 centrifuges at the plant which had been running empty since it went into effect. "Starting from tomorrow (Wednesday), we will begin injecting (uranium hexafluoride) gas at Fordo," Rouhani said in a speech broadcast by state television. Iran said the whole process would be carried out transparently witnessed by inspectors from the UN nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency. The move is the fourth announced by Iran since it began responding to Washington's abandonment of its commitments. Iran has repeatedly warned the remaining parties to the deal -- Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia -- that the agreement can only be rescued if they help it circumvent US sanctions. European governments have strived to come up with a mechanism that would allow foreign firms to continue to do business with Iran without incurring US penalties. But to Iran's mounting frustration, their efforts have so far failed to have any significant impact. The European Union warned Monday that its continued support for the deal depended on Tehran fulfilling its commitments. Maja Kocijancic, spokeswoman for EU diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini, said the bloc "remains committed" to the nuclear deal. "We have continued to urge Iran to reverse such steps without delay and to refrain from other measures that would undermine the nuclear deal," Kocijancic told reporters in Brussels. "But we have also been consistent in saying that our commitment to the nuclear deal depends on full compliance by Iran."

Iran to resume enrichment at underground plant: Hassan Rouhani

Iran warns of violating N-deal again, to pass a 20% limit. Watch this video to know more.

Iran warns of violating N-deal again, to pass 20% limit of Uranium enrichment

Iran said on Saturday it was now capable of raising <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-fires-up-advanced-centrifuges-in-latest-nuclear-step-248221">uranium enrichment</a> past the 20% level and, while it had no immediate plans to do, so the clock was ticking towards the point where a 2015 nuclear deal with world powers could not be salvaged.

"We have started lifting limitations on our Research and Development imposed by the deal...It will include the development of more rapid and advanced centrifuges," Iranian nuclear agency spokesman Behrouz Kamalvandi told a televised news conference.

"The European parties to the deal should know that there is not much time left, and if there is some action to be taken (to salvage the nuclear deal), it should be done quickly."

The 2015 pact curbed Iran's disputed nuclear programme in exchange for relief from sanctions but has unravelled since the United States pulled out of it last year and acted to strangle Iran's oil trade to push it into wider security concessions.

Since May, Iran has begun to scale back its commitments to the pact in retaliation for US President Donald Trump's "maximum pressure" campaign since he exited the deal and reimposed sanctions to force Tehran back into negotiations.

Iran says its measures are reversible if the European side find a way to protect its vital oil exports from Washington's sanctions.

The deal capped the number of centrifuge enrichment machines installed in Iran at roughly 6,000, down from around 19,000 before 2015. It allows Iran to refine uranium only with first-generation IR-1 centrifuges and to use small numbers of more advanced centrifuges solely for research, but without stockpiling enriched uranium, for a period of 10 years.

Cranking up advanced centrifuges

"Machines developed by our own research and development will help accumulate reserves. This was done yesterday and announced to the IAEA today," Kamalvandi said, referring to the UN nuclear watchdog which is monitoring compliance with the deal.

"This includes IR-6 machines which have now been fed (uranium) gas. A chain of 20 IR-4 centrifuges has also been started. The IR-6 has also started as a chain of 20 since yesterday," he said. "We will soon test our IR-8 centrifuge cascade by injecting gas into 3 IR-8 machines."

Advanced centrifuges can enrich at a much faster pace.

The accord also capped the level of purity to which Iran can enrich uranium hexafluoride, the feedstock for centrifuges, at 3.67 per cent, which is suitable for civilian power generation and far below the 90 thresholds of nuclear weapons-grade.

The 20 per cent level represents a significant leap towards bomb material, though Iran has argued that it could be put to running its Bushehr nuclear power reactor.

"The UN nuclear watchdog has been informed about our new nuclear steps and it still has access to our nuclear sites," Kamalvandi said.

France, Germany and Britain have struggled to save the deal by setting up a barter trade mechanism with Iran but it has yet to get off the ground and Tehran on Wednesday set a 60-day deadline for the Europeans. "We do not currently intend to make any changes to IAEA inspections and our transparency obligations are being met as before," Kamalvandi said.

"(But) when the other sides do not carry out their commitments, they should not expect Iran to fulfil its commitments" to limit nuclear capacity set by the deal.

Iran said on Saturday it was now capable of raising uranium enrichment past the 20% level and, while it had no immediate plans to do, so the clock was ticking towards the point where a 2015 nuclear deal with world powers could not be salvaged.

Iran said on Saturday it was now capable of raising uranium enrichment past the 20% level and, while it had no immediate plans to do, so the clock was ticking towards the point where a 2015 nuclear deal with world powers could not be salvaged. "We have started lifting limitations on our Research and Development imposed by the deal...It will include the development of more rapid and advanced centrifuges," Iranian nuclear agency spokesman Behrouz Kamalvandi told a televised news conference. "The European parties to the deal should know that there is not much time left, and if there is some action to be taken (to salvage the nuclear deal), it should be done quickly." The 2015 pact curbed Iran's disputed nuclear programme in exchange for relief from sanctions but has unravelled since the United States pulled out of it last year and acted to strangle Iran's oil trade to push it into wider security concessions. Since May, Iran has begun to scale back its commitments to the pact in retaliation for US President Donald Trump's "maximum pressure" campaign since he exited the deal and reimposed sanctions to force Tehran back into negotiations. Iran says its measures are reversible if the European side find a way to protect its vital oil exports from Washington's sanctions. The deal capped the number of centrifuge enrichment machines installed in Iran at roughly 6,000, down from around 19,000 before 2015. It allows Iran to refine uranium only with first-generation IR-1 centrifuges and to use small numbers of more advanced centrifuges solely for research, but without stockpiling enriched uranium, for a period of 10 years. Cranking up advanced centrifuges "Machines developed by our own research and development will help accumulate reserves. This was done yesterday and announced to the IAEA today," Kamalvandi said, referring to the UN nuclear watchdog which is monitoring compliance with the deal. "This includes IR-6 machines which have now been fed (uranium) gas. A chain of 20 IR-4 centrifuges has also been started. The IR-6 has also started as a chain of 20 since yesterday," he said. "We will soon test our IR-8 centrifuge cascade by injecting gas into 3 IR-8 machines." Advanced centrifuges can enrich at a much faster pace. The accord also capped the level of purity to which Iran can enrich uranium hexafluoride, the feedstock for centrifuges, at 3.67 per cent, which is suitable for civilian power generation and far below the 90 thresholds of nuclear weapons-grade. The 20 per cent level represents a significant leap towards bomb material, though Iran has argued that it could be put to running its Bushehr nuclear power reactor. "The UN nuclear watchdog has been informed about our new nuclear steps and it still has access to our nuclear sites," Kamalvandi said. France, Germany and Britain have struggled to save the deal by setting up a barter trade mechanism with Iran but it has yet to get off the ground and Tehran on Wednesday set a 60-day deadline for the Europeans. "We do not currently intend to make any changes to IAEA inspections and our transparency obligations are being met as before," Kamalvandi said. "(But) when the other sides do not carry out their commitments, they should not expect Iran to fulfil its commitments" to limit nuclear capacity set by the deal.

Have capacity to raise uranium enrichment beyond 20%: Iranian nuclear agency

The Iranian regime has now seized another foreign vessel over accusations that it was smuggling oil to foreign customers. Watch the full video to know more.

WION Dispatch: Vessel accused of smuggling foreign oil seized by Iran

Iran's atomic energy agency said on Monday it could reverse its nuclear programme to its status before curbs were imposed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rouhani-says-iran-ready-to-talks-to-us-if-sanctions-lifted-report-235898">under a landmark 2015 agreement </a>with world powers.

"If the Europeans and the Americans don't want to carry out their duties... we will decrease our commitments and... reverse the conditions to four years ago," agency spokesman Behrouz Kamalvandi said, quoted by IRNA state news agency.

"These actions are not out of obstinacy. It is to give diplomacy a chance so that the other side come to their senses and carry out their duties," he added.

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The deal promised economic benefits and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-attempted-to-seize-british-tanker-fended-off-by-warship-hms-montrose-report-234800">sanctions relief to Iran</a>, but US President Donald Trump withdrew from the accord in May 2018 and reimposed tough punitive measures against Iran.

Angered that its beleaguered economy is not receiving sanctions relief it believes it was promised under the deal, Iran has intensified sensitive uranium enrichment work.

European foreign ministers were meeting in Brussels on Monday for crisis talks on the deal.

On Sunday, the European parties to the deal - Britain, France and Germany - called for dialogue as tensions further intensified between Iran and the United States.

In a statement, the so-called E3 expressed concern the deal was at risk of further unravelling but said it was up to Iran to ensure its survival.

Iran has repeatedly threatened to leave the deal unless the remaining parties to the agreement bypass US sanctions and deliver the promised benefits. 
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Iran's atomic energy agency said on Monday it could reverse its nuclear programme to its status before curbs were imposed under a landmark 2015 agreement with world powers.

Iran's atomic energy agency said on Monday it could reverse its nuclear programme to its status before curbs were imposed under a landmark 2015 agreement with world powers. "If the Europeans and the Americans don't want to carry out their duties... we will decrease our commitments and... reverse the conditions to four years ago," agency spokesman Behrouz Kamalvandi said, quoted by IRNA state news agency. "These actions are not out of obstinacy. It is to give diplomacy a chance so that the other side come to their senses and carry out their duties," he added. The deal promised economic benefits and sanctions relief to Iran, but US President Donald Trump withdrew from the accord in May 2018 and reimposed tough punitive measures against Iran. Angered that its beleaguered economy is not receiving sanctions relief it believes it was promised under the deal, Iran has intensified sensitive uranium enrichment work. European foreign ministers were meeting in Brussels on Monday for crisis talks on the deal. On Sunday, the European parties to the deal - Britain, France and Germany - called for dialogue as tensions further intensified between Iran and the United States. In a statement, the so-called E3 expressed concern the deal was at risk of further unravelling but said it was up to Iran to ensure its survival. Iran has repeatedly threatened to leave the deal unless the remaining parties to the agreement bypass US sanctions and deliver the promised benefits.

If Europeans, Americans don't carry out their duties, will reverse nuclear deal to four years ago, warns Iran

Trump warns Iran again. Trump said, ''Iran treading on dangerous territory.'' Iran has exceeded Uranium enrichment limit by 4.5%. Watch this video to know more.

Donald Trump: ''Iran if you're listening, better be careful''

How serious are Iran's breaches of the 2015 deal and what does higher enrichment mean?

Iran's uranium enrichment level passed 4.5 per cent on Monday, exceeding the 2015 nuclear deal cap, Iranian atomic energy organisation spokesman Behrouz Kamalvandi said.

"This morning Iran passed the 4.5 per cent level in uranium enrichment," Kamalvandi said according to the semi-official ISNA News Agency.

"This level of purity completely satisfies the power plant fuel requirements of the country," he added in a hint that the Islamic republic might stick to this level of enrichment for the time being.

Iran announced on Sunday it would <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-it-will-enrich-uranium-at-any-level-challenging-us-233760">no longer adhere to the enrichment cap</a> in what it billed as its second step to decrease commitments to the deal in a bid to press other parties into keeping their side of the bargain.

US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bullying-by-united-states-is-cause-behind-escalating-iran-nuclear-crisis-china-233996">Donald Trump</a> withdrew from the deal between Iran and six world powers in May 2018 and has since reimposed sanctions on many sectors including the crucial oil and financial industries.

Iran demanded the other parties -- France, Germany, Britain, China and Russia -- take steps to guarantee the economic benefits Iran was promised for the drastic limitations imposed on its nuclear programme.

However after one year of what it called "strategic patience", Tehran has grown increasingly frustrated about a perceived lack of action by the European side to help it economically in the face of crippling US sanctions.

Iran's uranium enrichment level passed 4.5 per cent on Monday, exceeding the 2015 nuclear deal cap, Iranian atomic energy organisation spokesman Behrouz Kamalvandi said.

Iran's uranium enrichment level passed 4.5 per cent on Monday, exceeding the 2015 nuclear deal cap, Iranian atomic energy organisation spokesman Behrouz Kamalvandi said. "This morning Iran passed the 4.5 per cent level in uranium enrichment," Kamalvandi said according to the semi-official ISNA News Agency. "This level of purity completely satisfies the power plant fuel requirements of the country," he added in a hint that the Islamic republic might stick to this level of enrichment for the time being. Iran announced on Sunday it would no longer adhere to the enrichment cap in what it billed as its second step to decrease commitments to the deal in a bid to press other parties into keeping their side of the bargain. US President Donald Trump withdrew from the deal between Iran and six world powers in May 2018 and has since reimposed sanctions on many sectors including the crucial oil and financial industries. Iran demanded the other parties -- France, Germany, Britain, China and Russia -- take steps to guarantee the economic benefits Iran was promised for the drastic limitations imposed on its nuclear programme. However after one year of what it called "strategic patience", Tehran has grown increasingly frustrated about a perceived lack of action by the European side to help it economically in the face of crippling US sanctions.

Iran says uranium enrichment passes 4.5%, exceeding deal cap