Latest news with #AtomicEnergyOrganizationofIran
Memri
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Memri
Former Iranian Nuclear Chief Fereydoon Abbasi: If I Receive Orders To Build A Nuclear Bomb – I Will Do It; We Can Build A Small Nuclear Bomb That Can Destroy A Whole Military Base, And Is Not Classifi
Fereydoon Abbasi, former head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, discussed Iran potentially building and detonating a nuclear weapon in a May 26, 2025 interview on (Iran). He said that he has not yet received orders to build a nuclear bomb - but if he does, he will carry them out. Abbasi added that any attacks on production sites would have little impact on the timeline for developing a bomb. Abbasi stated that now is the time for people to leave Israel, warning that if the "Resistance Front" is threatened, no part of the Zionist regime should be considered immune. He said that all residents are complicit in the Israeli government's actions by remaining there and supporting it, and therefore the "Resistance Front," the Islamic world, and freedom-seeking people worldwide should demand their elimination. Abbasi said that technological advances now make it possible to build smaller nuclear bombs that may not be classified as weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) and could destroy just a military base, unlike the bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. He also warned the U.S., England, and Israel that an attack might not come via missile or aircraft but from within. He said: "The West is vulnerable to beasts of its own creation," referencing groups like ISIS, which he claimed were created by the West. Fereydoon Abbasi: "In one of my interviews, I said that we had reached the capability to build a [nuclear] weapon 15-20 years ago, but we had not built it for several reasons. [...] "[Building] this weapon requires two parts – the material and the technology. Let's say that you have the required material, such as uranium or plutonium. What technology will be employed? Detonation technology is needed. This means that if you can domestically produce detonators for RPGs, and if you can produce TOW and other anti-tank missiles... If they have a cone shape, why can't we make them into cylinders or spheres? This can be done. [...] "We can create a symmetrical explosion. I am willing to demonstrate it for the skeptics using a cylindrical containment. [...] "So far, we have not received orders to build [a nuclear bomb]. If they tell me to build it, I will do it. [...] "It is a mistake to set a time frame, whether six months, a month, a year, or a day. Once the decision is made, you will need to make some small changes. If you work with uranium, you will need 90% enriched uranium. This level of enrichment can be achieved by laser, by electromagnetism, or by centrifuges." Interviewer: "If we decide to build [nuclear weapons], and during the time it takes us to build them, they attack and destroy our infrastructure, what should we do?" Abbasi: "Which infrastructure? Our nuclear infrastructure? Nothing would happen." Interviewer: "How come?" Abbasi: "Our capabilities are spread all over the country. [...] "If they target the production sites, it will be inconsequential to our timetable." Interviewer: "Our timetable to build [a bomb]?" Abbasi: "Because our [nuclear materials] are not stored above ground for them to hit. [...] "We need to stand firmly behind our armed forces and tell them to go and strike whoever threatens us, wherever they may be. The Zionist regime has committed countless killings. All the Zionists who remained there are hardcore Zionists. Now is the time for those who wish to emigrate to have their chance to leave. Moving forward, if the Resistance Front faces any damage or threats by the Zionist regime – including nuclear threats – no location inside the Zionist regime should be regarded immune, whether it is populated or not. They are all complicit in the killings, because they stayed there to support the regime. The Resistance Front, the Islamic world, and the freedom-seeking people worldwide should demand that all of them be eliminated. [...] "If they threaten us – like the nuclear threats they made during the Bush era – we cannot sit idly by. Advancements in technology allow for the production of less powerful nuclear weapons that may not fall under the definition of WMDs. We should not think of these [devices] like the ones from Hiroshima or Nagasaki. It is now possible to destroy just a military base. [...] "Countries like the U.S., England, and the Zionist regime should be aware that attacks will not always be carried out by means of missiles or aircraft. I say this because they focus so much on our missiles... What if they are attacked from within?" Interviewer: "How come?" Abbasi: "If the attacks come from the inside. Did they not create ISIS and Al-Nusra? Did they not own up to creating ISIS? Where are these groups that were gathered from different countries? Aren't they responsible for carrying out terrorist acts in different countries? The West is vulnerable to beasts of its own creation. They must expect that any action or threat against sovereign countries will result in repercussions against them."
Hindustan Times
23-05-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Iran, US to hold new round of nuclear talks in Rome
Iranian and US negotiators meet in Rome on Friday for a fifth round of nuclear talks, after a public disagreement over Tehran's uranium enrichment. The talks, which began in April, are the highest-level contact between the foes since the United States quit the 2015 nuclear accord during President Donald Trump's first term. Since returning to office, Trump has revived his "maximum pressure" campaign on Iran, backing talks but warning of military action if diplomacy fails. Iran wants a new deal that would ease sanctions which have battered its economy. The last round of talks, in the Omani capital Muscat, ended with a public spat over enrichment. US envoy Steve Witkoff said Washington "could not authorise even one percent" enrichment a position Tehran called a red line, citing its rights under the Non-Proliferation Treaty. Ahead of Friday's talks, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said "fundamental differences" remained with the United States, while adding that Tehran was open to its nuclear sites undergoing more inspections. "We will not have an agreement at all" if the United States wants to prevent Iran from enriching uranium, Araghchi added. Friday's talks in the Italian capital come ahead of a June meeting of the UN nuclear watchdog, the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency , and the October expiry of the 2015 accord. The deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, aimed to stop Iran from developing a nuclear bomb a goal Western countries accused it of pursuing, though Tehran denies it. In return for curbs on its nuclear programme, Iran had received relief from international sanctions. But the accord was torpedoed in 2018 when Trump unilaterally withdrew the United States. Iran responded by ramping up its nuclear activities. It is now enriching uranium to 60 percent far above the deal's 3.67 percent cap but below the 90 percent needed for weapons-grade material. Experts in Tehran said Iran was unlikely to back down. "It's quite simple; if the US expects Iran to halt nuclear enrichment, then there can't be a deal," said Mohammad Marandi, a political scientist who was once an adviser on the nuclear issue. The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran says the country's nuclear industry employs 17,000 people, similar to other countries where uranium is enriched for civilian use. "The Netherlands, Belgium, South Korea, Brazil, and Japan enrich without possessing nuclear weapons," its spokesman Behrouz Kamalvandi said. Iran's enmity with Israel, whose main backer is the United States, has been a constant backdrop to the talks. In a letter to the United Nations, Araghchi wrote: "We believe that in the event of any attack on the nuclear facilities of the Islamic Republic of Iran by the Zionist regime, the US government will also be involved and bear legal responsibility." The warning came after CNN, citing unnamed US officials, reported Israel was making preparations to carry out such a strike. The White House said Trump had a "productive discussion" with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday about Iran and the fatal shooting of two Israeli embassy staff in Washington. Friday's talks will be held before an IAEA Board of Governors meeting in June in Vienna during which Iran's nuclear activities will be reviewed. The 2015 deal provides for the possibility of UN sanctions being reimposed through a mechanism called "snapback" if Iran fails to fulfil its commitments. The agreement's three European signatories Britain, France and Germany have warned they would trigger the mechanism if the continent's security was threatened. Iran's top diplomat Araghchi said such a move would have "consequences not only the end of Europe's role in the agreement, but also an escalation of tensions that could become irreversible". sbr-pdm/dv/ser/fec
Newsweek
21-05-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
How Uranium Enrichment Can Help Iran Build Nuclear Weapons
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The ongoing standoff over Iran's uranium enrichment program has emerged as the defining obstacle in stalled nuclear negotiations. At the core of the dispute is Tehran's insistence on continuing enrichment activities—a stance the United States says brings Iran close to acquiring the capability to build a nuclear weapon. Tehran says its nuclear activities are peaceful and lawful, while the United States and its allies demand strict rollbacks and intrusive inspections. This impasse over uranium enrichment not only complicates negotiations but also heightens fears of a nuclear arms race in the volatile Middle East. Why It Matters Uranium enrichment lies at the core of the dispute because it holds the key to Iran's potential nuclear weapons capability. While low-level enrichment can fuel civilian nuclear reactors, higher levels can quickly lead to weapons-grade uranium. The inability of negotiators to agree on Iran's enrichment levels risks derailing talks designed to prevent Tehran from crossing the nuclear threshold. This deadlock threatens regional stability and tests the durability of global nonproliferation regimes. This photo released Nov. 5, 2019, by the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, shows centrifuge machines in the Natanz uranium enrichment facility in central Iran. This photo released Nov. 5, 2019, by the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, shows centrifuge machines in the Natanz uranium enrichment facility in central Iran. Atomic Energy Organization of Iran/AP Photo What to Know Uranium enrichment increases the concentration of uranium-235, the isotope needed for nuclear energy or weapons. Reactor fuel typically requires enrichment to 3–5 percent, while weapons-grade uranium exceeds 90 percent. The process involves spinning uranium hexafluoride gas in centrifuges to separate isotopes by weight. Enrichment Levels Since the U.S. exited the 2015 nuclear deal under President Donald Trump, Iran has steadily increased its enrichment beyond the previously agreed cap of 3.67 percent. Tehran now enriches uranium up to 60 percent purity—much closer to weapons-grade. Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently emphasized the higher levels of enrichment to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. He described Iran's pursuit of enrichment as both a "matter of national pride" and a strategic move to become a "threshold nuclear power," deterring potential adversaries by making itself "untouchable." Iran's uranium stockpile approaches pre-JCPOA levels. Iran's uranium stockpile approaches pre-JCPOA levels. statista Mixed Messages Iran has accused the U.S. of sending mixed signals regarding uranium enrichment, complicating ongoing nuclear negotiations. Iranian officials point to Special Envoy Steve Witkoff's shifting positions: initially suggesting the U.S. might accept limited enrichment under strict oversight, then later demanding the complete dismantlement of Iran's enrichment and weaponization programs. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi criticized these contradictory statements, stating that such inconsistencies undermine trust and hinder progress toward a clear, enforceable agreement. Nuclear Talks in Limbo Meanwhile on Wednesday, Araghchi said that Tehran is still reviewing whether to join the fifth round of nuclear talks with the United States, dismissing Washington's conditions on enrichment as "unrealistic." His remarks came a day after Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei questioned the value of continued negotiations. While a proposal for new talks—possibly this weekend in Rome—has been made, Iran has not yet confirmed its participation. Secretary of State Marco Rubio testifies before the Senate Committee on Appropriations subcommittee hearing to review the Fiscal Year 2026 budget request for the U.S. Department of State on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, May... Secretary of State Marco Rubio testifies before the Senate Committee on Appropriations subcommittee hearing to review the Fiscal Year 2026 budget request for the U.S. Department of State on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, May 20, 2025. More Jose Luis Magana/AP Photo What People Are Saying U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated: "They claim that enrichment is a matter of national pride. It is our view that they want enrichment as a deterrent... to become untouchable." Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, wrote on X: "Enrichment in Iran, however, will continue with or without a deal." What Happens Next The uranium enrichment impasse threatens to collapse diplomatic efforts. As Iran continues advancing its nuclear capabilities, the timeline for Tehran to potentially develop a nuclear weapon shortens. The international community watches closely to see if negotiations can bridge the gap or if the standoff will spiral toward a new regional crisis.
Rudaw Net
15-05-2025
- Business
- Rudaw Net
Iran denies ‘secret nuclear activities' as Trump hints at impending deal
Also in Iran Pezeshkian says Iran will not 'bow down to bully' after Trump remarks Iran confirms meeting with E3 in Istanbul as US talks loom Iran criticizes fresh US sanctions amid ongoing nuclear talks Trump warns Iran of massive pressure if it does accept 'olive branch' A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iran's nuclear chief Mohammad Eslami on Thursday dismissed claims that Tehran had 'secret nuclear activities,' stressing that all nuclear operations are conducted under the oversight of the United Nations' nuclear watchdog. This comes as Ali Shamkhani, a top aide to Iran's supreme leader, underscored Iran's willingness to give up weapon-grade uranium for sanctions relief - a stance notably reshared by US President Donald Trump who stated that Washington is close to securing a nuclear deal with Tehran. The head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), Eslami, stated that 'Iran has never had any undeclared or secret nuclear activities throughout its history. All of the country's nuclear operations are conducted in cooperation with the [International Atomic Energy Agency] IAEA and under its continuous supervision.' He added that IAEA inspectors regularly visit Iran's nuclear facilities, both through scheduled and surprise inspections. Tehran's nuclear chief further noted that Iran's 'goals in the field of nuclear technology are completely transparent and peaceful' and that Tehran 'has always been ready for dialogue and engagement' that is 'based on logic, mutual respect, and consideration of national interests - not on force and threats.' 'Attempts to destroy the achievements of the Iranian nation through pressure and imposition have so far yielded nothing and will not do so in the future,' Eslami concluded. Earlier in the day, Shamkhani, a top advisor to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was quoted by NBC as saying that Iran is 'ready to get rid of its stockpiles of highly enriched uranium which can be weaponized, agree to enrich uranium only to the lower levels needed for civilian use, and allow international inspectors to supervise the process, in exchange for the immediate lifting of all economic sanctions on Iran.' 'If the Americans act as they say, for sure we can have better relations,' Shamkhani said, adding that a deal could 'lead to a better situation in the near future.' The US president on Thursday reshared Shamkhani's remarks on his social media platform, Truth Social. Earlier in the day, Trump stated that the US was inching closer to securing a nuclear deal with Iran. "We're in very serious negotiations with Iran for long-term peace," Trump said, according to AFP. "We're getting close to maybe doing a deal without having to do this,' he noted, adding that 'there are two steps to doing this, there is a very, very nice step and there is the violent step, but I don't want to do it the second way.' These developments come as the US and Iran concluded the fourth round of indirect nuclear talks in Oman on Sunday. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the latest round as 'significantly more serious' than previous ones, noting that 'we moved away from generalities and delved into the specifics.' 'We can now say that both sides have a better understanding of each other's positions,' Araghchi added, noting that a fifth round of negotiations is expected later this week. Indirect talks between Iran and the US over Tehran's nuclear program resumed on April 12 in Oman. The revived talks represent the most substantive engagement between the two countries since the unraveling of the 2015 nuclear deal - formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) - under which Iran agreed to curb its nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief. In 2018, during his first term in office, Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the JCPOA and reimposed sweeping sanctions on Tehran. In response, Iran began gradually scaling back its commitments under the deal. Tehran has consistently maintained that its nuclear program is intended for peaceful purposes and that the pursuit of nuclear weapons contradicts the principles of the Islamic Republic.
Shafaq News
13-05-2025
- Business
- Shafaq News
Iran open to enrichment limits if US lifts sanctions
Shafaq News/ Iran's nuclear development won't stop, and its technological capabilities are not up for negotiation, Mohammad Eslami, the head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), announced on Monday. Eslami stated that 'the path of Iran's nuclear program is peaceful, clear, and irreversible,' revealing that Iran is producing over 70 types of radiopharmaceuticals distributed to 230 treatment centers nationwide and is advancing in cold plasma applications for public health. 'Despite full-scale sanctions, including restrictions on the transport of radiopharmaceuticals, Iran remains at the forefront of nuclear medicine,' he added. His comments came ahead of the fourth round of talks with the United States, with Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi noted that Tehran and Washington are still in the early stages of discussing uranium enrichment restrictions as part of renewed indirect diplomacy. However, he confirmed that Iran is open to 'temporary and reciprocal confidence-building measures,' including limits on enrichment, if sanctions are lifted. 'These are not unilateral concessions,' he affirmed, dismissing reports of a 25-year cap or fixed enrichment ceiling as speculative. 'Such assumptions are not part of any confirmed framework.' The US-Iran negotiations are taking place amid renewed scrutiny of key aspects of Tehran's nuclear program, particularly its stockpile of enriched uranium and the pace of its enrichment activities. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported in February that Iran continues to enrich uranium at up to 60% purity, just below the 90% threshold for weapons-grade material, at multiple facilities, including Fordow and Natanz. However, two days before the fourth round of negotiations, Steve Witkoff told Breitbart News that "the red line set by Washington is zero enrichment, which means dismantlement and no weaponization," which would require the complete dismantling of Iran's nuclear facilities in Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan.
