Iran's nuclear program: Secret report warns of proliferation risks
A confidential report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), seen by AFP, reveals growing international concerns about the risks of nuclear proliferation linked to Iran's nuclear program. The UN agency warned in its report that the inability to access nuclear facilities to verify materials and stockpiles poses an unprecedented security challenge to the international community, urging Tehran to cooperate immediately and constructively to avoid further escalation in the volatile Middle East region.
Background of historical tensions surrounding Tehran's activities
The international conflict over Iran’s nuclear ambitions dates back decades, with the international community seeking to impose strict limits on Tehran to ensure the peaceful nature of its program. In 2015, the landmark nuclear agreement was signed, capping uranium enrichment at 3.67%. However, this agreement effectively collapsed after the United States unilaterally withdrew from it in 2018, prompting Iran to gradually abandon its commitments and begin raising enrichment levels to unprecedented record highs.
The crisis worsened sharply following the military operations launched by Israel with the participation of the United States in June 2015, which targeted three major nuclear sites in Iran, followed by further strikes that began in February of the same year, causing a complete paralysis of international inspection operations and making it difficult for inspectors to access vital facilities.
The consequences of the lack of oversight of the Iranian nuclear program
A confidential report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that the lack of oversight of Iran's nuclear program for more than a year constituted a serious departure from standard international safeguards practices. Estimates prior to a potential war in 2025 indicated that Iran possessed approximately 440 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60%, a level very close to the 90% required for producing a nuclear weapon.
In the absence of on-site verification of these stockpiles, concern is growing in diplomatic circles in Vienna, where the agency’s Board of Governors is scheduled to discuss this sensitive report at its next meeting to explore options for dealing with this complex issue.
Regional and international effects of the nuclear crisis
The repercussions of this report extend beyond Iran's borders, casting a shadow over regional and international security. Regionally, the prospect of Iran acquiring nuclear weapons raises concerns among its neighbors in the Arabian Gulf and Israel, potentially triggering a nuclear arms race in a region that is a vital energy artery for the world. Internationally, the collapse of the nuclear non-proliferation regime threatens global stability and exacerbates polarization among major powers.
Despite the tensions, a diplomatic source explained that the agency had not detected suspicious movements at key sites such as Isfahan and Natanz, and its recent patrols were limited to the Russian-assisted Bushehr nuclear power plant, which saw shells fall near it during recent military operations.
Washington's position and President Donald Trump's conditions
For his part, US President Donald Trump is closely monitoring developments, emphasizing that any future agreement aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in the Middle East must include firm and verifiable guarantees that completely prevent Iran from developing or acquiring a nuclear weapon. The fate of Iran's highly enriched uranium stockpiles remains the most significant obstacle in any current or potential diplomatic negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
