The ongoing crisis surrounding Iran's nuclear activities has reached a critical juncture, with the IAEA revealing secret nuclear activities at three undisclosed locations in the country. This development has heightened tensions between Iran and the international community.
The IAEA's 22-page confidential report highlights Iran's lack of cooperation with the agency regarding uranium traces discovered at several sites. The investigation is focused on Turquzabad, Varamin, and Marivan, where manmade uranium particles were detected.
In an effort to break the stalemate, a phone call between Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi and IAEA chief Rafael Grossi took place after Oman's Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi visited Tehran with the latest US proposal. The US has proposed a new nuclear deal that includes creating a regional grouping for nuclear power production in exchange for lifting some of the crippling economic sanctions imposed by the US.
Senior Iranian officials have dismissed speculation about an imminent nuclear deal with the US, insisting that any agreement must lift sanctions and allow Iran's nuclear program to continue. The IAEA chief has urged Iran to cooperate fully with the agency, while European countries may trigger snap-back sanctions against Iran ahead of October when the original 2015 nuclear deal expires.
Iran has warned it will retaliate against European powers that threaten to reimpose nuclear sanctions after a report showed the country had increased its stockpile of highly enriched uranium to nearly 90% purity.