US, Israeli diplomats warn over Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile
Two senior diplomats from Israel and the United States raised concerns about Iran's uranium enrichment program in interviews with Iran International on Wednesday.
Two senior diplomats from Israel and the United States raised concerns about Iran's uranium enrichment program in interviews with Iran International on Wednesday.
The discussions followed an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) report highlighting the Islamic Republic’s growing stockpile of 20% and 60% enriched uranium.
Danny Danon, Israel's ambassador to the United Nations, described the findings as alarming.
“I think that the entire international community should be very worried about the findings. It proves the attempt of Iran to run for nuclear capabilities, and then the world should take action. It's not only IAEA responsibility; it's the responsibility of the entire Western democracies to stop Iran from achieving nuclear capabilities,” he said.
Danon also predicted that the new Trump administration would intensify pressure on Iran.
“I think there would be more pressure, and we expect it not only from the US but also from other European countries.”
Robert Wood, the US alternate ambassador to the United Nations, echoed a similar concern about the IAEA's report.
“The US' concerns have been all along about Iran engaging in enriching uranium to 60%. We're very concerned about it,” he said.
While Wood did not confirm whether the US would back a resolution proposed by France, Germany, and the United Kingdom at the IAEA Board of Governors, he added, “I know the IAEA Board is going to be looking at this issue. We're reviewing the report of the IAEA Director-General.”
The European draft resolution submitted to the IAEA Board condemns the Islamic Republic’s nuclear activities and calls for a comprehensive report from the agency’s director-general. The resolution could ultimately lead to referring Iran’s nuclear dossier back to the United Nations Security Council and reactivating the snapback mechanism, which would restore all previously suspended UN sanctions.
According to the IAEA’s report, the Islamic Republic currently possesses 182.3 kilograms of 60% enriched uranium. This level of enrichment places Iran significantly closer to producing weapons-grade material, a point of contention for Western powers.
The IAEA report also noted that Iran has proposed freezing further enrichment of 60% uranium at its current levels to avoid the adoption of the European resolution.
Despite this overture, the resolution appears likely to move forward, triggering strong reactions from Iranian officials.
Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s foreign minister, cautioned against the resolution during a phone call with IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi on Wednesday.
“If the other parties disregard Iran's goodwill and cooperative approach and pursue unconstructive actions by issuing a resolution at the IAEA Board of Governors meeting, Iran will respond in an appropriate and proportional manner,” he said.
Kazem Gharibabadi, Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs, echoed this stance, warning of decisive measures if the resolution is adopted.
“We have explicitly stated beforehand that if the resolution is adopted, we will respond decisively and immediately, and the Atomic Energy Organization is ready to implement the decision the very hour it is adopted,” Gharibabadi said. He added that Iran seeks engagement with the IAEA but criticized European countries for their confrontational approach.
The escalating rhetoric underscores the deepening divide between Iran and Western nations over nuclear policy. While Iranian officials have hinted at retaliation, they have yet to specify what actions might entail.
