The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has convened a three-day meeting in Vienna to discuss Iran’s nuclear programme amid growing international concern over its failure to comply with global regulations.
The summit follows IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi’s recent meetings in Tehran, aimed at fostering cooperation. However, a confidential report seen by the Associated Press reveals that Iran has expanded its uranium stockpile, enriching it to levels nearing weapons-grade, despite international calls to scale back its activities.
Uranium enrichment is a critical process for both nuclear energy and weapons. Under IAEA definitions, 42 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60% can be refined further to 90%, the threshold for weaponization. At the Vienna meeting, IAEA member nations are set to debate whether to adopt a resolution against Iran for its non-compliance—a decision that could escalate tensions with Tehran.
Reports indicate that Iran has offered to freeze its uranium enrichment at 60% purity if Western powers drop their efforts to push for a resolution. This proposal underscores the precarious nature of the negotiations and the stakes involved in achieving a diplomatic solution.
A resolution would be a significant setback for Iran’s leadership, intensifying international scrutiny while bolstering support for a tougher stance on its nuclear ambitions. The decisions made at this summit are expected to have wide-reaching implications for global security and efforts to prevent nuclear proliferation.