White House Urges Iran to Accept Nuclear Deal as IAEA Reports…

The White House urges Iran to accept a nuclear deal after the IAEA reports a spike in uranium enrichment. The IAEA warns that Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile has surged, and the implications are grave. Iran, while denying allegations of pursuing weapons-grade nuclear material, seeks to underscore its commitment to peaceful uses. Israeli officials echo significant alarm regarding Iran’s activities as international scrutiny escalates.

The White House conveyed on Saturday that it is in Iran’s “best interest” to accept a proposed nuclear deal, following a concerning report from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that indicates Iran is significantly increasing its stockpile of near weapons-grade enriched uranium. This comes in light of President Trump’s firm stance that Iran must never acquire nuclear weaponry. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized that a detailed proposal was sent to Iran by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, but further details would not be disclosed due to the sensitivity of ongoing negotiations.

Per the latest IAEA report, Iran’s stockpile now stands at 900.8 pounds of uranium enriched up to 60%, marking a substantial 50% increase since February when the stockpile was reported at 605.8 pounds. The IAEA noted that Iran is unique as the “only non-nuclear-weapon state” producing such material. This situation raises significant alarms for the international community as the agency builds a case around these findings, highlighting that only 92 pounds of 60%-enriched uranium is required to develop an atomic bomb if it reaches 90% enrichment.

In response, Iran maintains that its nuclear activities are strictly for peaceful purposes. However, U.S. intelligence agencies assert that Iran is on a path that could lead to the development of a nuclear weapon, should they choose to activate that capability. The Iranian Foreign Ministry, alongside the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, issued a statement casting doubt on the credibility of the IAEA report, calling it biased and politically driven, containing what they deemed “unreliable information.”

The sentiment of skepticism extended further as Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, expressed doubts over the possibility of a timely U.S.-Iran nuclear agreement. On social media platform X, he remarked that a genuine diplomatic solution aimed at benefiting all parties involved is critical, but it hinges on a comprehensive agreement that lifts all sanctions and acknowledges Iran’s nuclear rights, including enrichment activities.

In a more decisive move, Oman’s Foreign Minister, Badr al-Busaidi, shared the Trump administration’s initial proposal with Iranian officials, which reportedly demands that Iran halt all uranium enrichment. This proposal also suggests the establishment of a regional consortium comprising Iran, Saudi Arabia, and other Arab nations, aimed at a collaborative approach to nuclear power production, according to reports from The New York Times.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also responded to the IAEA findings with a rare Saturday statement, deeming the report “grave”. He highlighted that the agency’s assessment presents a distressing narrative regarding Iran’s intentions and advancements. Netanyahu reinforced Israel’s long-held perspective that Iran’s nuclear ambitions diverge from peaceful applications, citing the alarming increase in uranium enrichment levels, which he argues lacks civilian justification.

Furthermore, he emphasized that Iran is failing to meet vital commitments under the Non-Proliferation Treaty and continues to evade cooperation with IAEA oversight. “The international community must act now to stop Iran,” Netanyahu underscored, urging a united front.

As these developments unfold, the urgency for a diplomatic resolution remains palpable but fraught with challenges, where trust and compliance are critical.

In summary, the White House is pushing for Iran to accept a nuclear deal amid alarming IAEA reports of increasing uranium enrichment. While U.S. officials assert that Iran must not acquire nuclear weapons, Iran contests the claims regarding its nuclear pursuits. As international pressures mount, the complexity of reaching a diplomatic resolution intensifies, with key players like Israel expressing serious concerns regarding Iran’s nuclear intentions.

Original Source: www.foxnews.com