On Thursday, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for the first time in 20 years condemned Iran for failing to comply with its obligations to prevent the development of nuclear weapons. Iran had previously announced the completion and impending activation of its third uranium enrichment facility. The escalating tensions between Tehran and the West over the nuclear issue have raised concerns about the possibility of military conflict.
The United States and major European countries have increased pressure on Tehran’s nuclear activities. In a resolution drafted by the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany, the IAEA condemned Iran for its lack of cooperation on multiple occasions and for impeding the verification of its declared nuclear plans, questioning whether they are truly intended for peaceful purposes.
According to an anonymous diplomat, 19 countries within the IAEA voted in favor of condemning Iran’s actions. Russia, China, and Burkina Faso opposed the resolution, while 11 countries abstained and 2 did not vote.
Iran responded to the IAEA’s resolution by labeling it as politically motivated. This condemnation by the IAEA could potentially lead to the reinstatement of sanctions against Iran later this year.
Since April, the United States and Iran have been engaged in indirect talks to address the Iranian nuclear crisis. However, significant disagreements persist between the two sides, with Iran insisting on maintaining uranium enrichment activities on its soil and refusing to transport its existing stockpile of highly enriched uranium (the material that could be used to make nuclear bombs) abroad.
President Trump had previously warned that if negotiations representatives fail to reach an agreement on Iran’s rapidly advancing nuclear program, Israel or the United States might launch airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
During a press briefing at the White House on Thursday, Trump expressed his hope that an Israeli attack on Iran’s nuclear program would not happen immediately, stating, “Although I don’t want to say it’s going to happen, it looks like it might.”
As tensions escalate, some non-essential U.S. government personnel have begun to evacuate the Gulf region as Trump mentioned that these individuals are “evacuating because it could be a dangerous place.”
On April 12, Iran and the United States held the first round of indirect nuclear talks in Muscat, the capital of Oman. This marked the first official opening of negotiations between the two sides since the U.S. withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal in May 2018. Subsequently, they held four more rounds of indirect talks on April 19, April 26, May 11, and May 23. The sixth round of Iran-U.S. negotiations is scheduled to take place on Sunday, June 15, in Muscat.
Tehran has refused to accept the U.S.’s demand to halt domestic uranium enrichment activities, insisting that this is a red line and criticizing Washington for sending mixed signals.
Trump has repeatedly stated his desire to reach an agreement to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. However, he has also warned that if diplomatic efforts fail, he will take military action.
This week, he stated that he is “not as confident” about reaching a nuclear agreement with Iran after Iranian officials criticized the temporary agreement proposed by the United States.
Several years ago, Iran threatened to wipe Israel off the map. Israel believes that Iran is currently at its most vulnerable moment in decades and sees it as an opportunity to launch an attack. Last month, Trump warned Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu not to attack Iran while negotiations on the nuclear deal are ongoing in Washington with Tehran.
Iran has warned that if it is attacked, it will strike U.S. bases in the region. Hossein Salami, the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran, stated on Thursday that his forces are prepared for any situation.
He said, “We have war experience, we have been through a hundred battles, we have built strength, we have strategies, and we have identified targets.”
Iran insists that its nuclear program is for peaceful civilian purposes. However, a report submitted by the IAEA to its council members last month stated that Iran had increased its stockpile of highly enriched uranium by 50% over the three months leading up to May. As of May 17, Iran possessed 408.6 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60%, close to weapons-grade, and has the capability to produce enough fissile material required for nuclear weapons within less than two weeks.