Trump: Iran’s Nuclear Ambitions Facing Major Setback
On Friday, President Donald Trump stated that Iran has failed to consent to inspections of its nuclear program and will not abandon its uranium enrichment activities.
Speaking to journalists aboard Air Force One, Trump expressed his belief that Tehran’s nuclear ambitions have been permanently hindered, though he acknowledged the possibility of the program being resumed elsewhere.
The president plans to address the issue of Iran with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his visit to the White House on Monday. “I would consider it to be permanently set back,” Trump remarked while en route to New Jersey following the Independence Day festivities at the White House. He added, “If they were to restart, it would pose a problem.”
The UN’s nuclear watchdog announced on Friday that it has withdrawn its last inspectors from Iran amid ongoing tensions regarding their return to sites that have been targeted by military actions from the US and Israel.
Both the US and Israel allege that Iran is enriching uranium with the intent to develop nuclear weapons, while Tehran maintains that its nuclear ambitions are focused solely on peaceful initiatives.
In recent developments, Israel initiated military strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities during a 12-day conflict with the Islamic Republic three weeks prior.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) noted that its inspectors have been unable to access Iranian facilities since those attacks, despite IAEA Director Rafael Grossi emphasizing that restoring inspections is a top priority.
In a further development, Iran’s parliament enacted a law that halts its cooperation with the IAEA until the security of its nuclear sites is ensured.
Although the IAEA claims no formal notification of a suspension has been received from Iran, it remains unclear when inspectors will be permitted to re-enter the country.
Iran has also criticized the IAEA, accusing it of facilitating the military strikes by publishing a concerning report on May 31, which led to a resolution by the IAEA’s 35-member Board declaring Iran in violation of its obligations under non-proliferation agreements.
Following the recent military actions, the extent of damage to Iran’s uranium enrichment facilities is known to be significant. However, uncertainties remain regarding the fate of much of Iran’s nine-ton stockpile of enriched uranium, particularly the over 880 pounds enriched to nearly 60% purity—a level that is perilously close to weapons-grade material.
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