Iran’s rapid advancement in enriching uranium to near weapons-grade levels is “extremely serious” and lacks civilian justification, a Western diplomatic source warned on Saturday, casting doubt on Tehran’s commitment to credible nuclear negotiations.
The source, speaking to Reuters anonymously, said the move contradicts Iran’s repeated claims of seeking peaceful nuclear capabilities and raises concerns about potential military applications. “These measures… could directly fuel a military nuclear programme if Iran were to take the decision,” the source said.
On Friday, Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), confirmed that Iran was enriching uranium up to 60% purity, edging closer to the 90% required for nuclear weapons. The IAEA later corroborated this development in a confidential report to member states.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry, however, defended its actions, asserting that its nuclear programme remains transparent and under the continuous supervision of the IAEA. Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said the recent activities align with the Non-Proliferation Treaty and safeguards agreements, with detailed information provided to the IAEA.
The escalation has further strained relations with Western nations, who view the developments as undermining efforts to revive the 2015 nuclear deal and ensure regional security. Iran has consistently denied seeking nuclear weapons, maintaining that its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes.