Vienna: The UN nuclear watchdog has formally accused Iran of violating its nuclear non-proliferation commitments, while Tehran has issued a series of retaliatory steps and warned of a possible Israeli attack reportedly flagged by a "friendly country."
In a rare move not seen in nearly two decades, the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) Board of Governors passed a resolution declaring Iran in breach of its nuclear obligations. The development escalates a long-simmering dispute that began in 2018 when U.S. President Donald Trump withdrew from the nuclear accord with Iran in his previous term, leading to the unraveling of the deal.
In response, Iran informed the IAEA of plans to open a third uranium enrichment site and announced the upgrading of its centrifuges at the Fordow facility to sixth-generation models—capable of significantly increasing enriched uranium output. No details were provided on the new site's location, raising further concerns about international oversight.
Tensions flared further as Iranian state media quoted President Masoud Pezeshkian asserting that even if Iranian nuclear facilities were bombed, they would be rebuilt. Meanwhile, Revolutionary Guards commander Hossein Salami warned that Iran’s response to any Israeli military strike would be "more forceful and destructive" than past actions.
These developments come ahead of a sixth round of indirect talks between the U.S. and Iran, set to take place in Oman on Sunday. Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr confirmed the meeting, which is aimed at addressing Iran's rapidly advancing uranium enrichment program.
Amid fears of escalation, Trump on Wednesday announced the repositioning of American personnel in the region, calling it a "dangerous place" and reiterating that Iran would not be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon. He also warned that military action remains on the table if diplomatic progress stalls.
Israeli officials, including Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer and Mossad Director David Barnea, are reportedly traveling to Oman for talks with U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to clarify Israel’s stance ahead of the U.S.-Iran negotiations.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry criticized Iran’s nuclear activities as a serious threat to both regional and global stability, accusing Tehran of undermining the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), to which it is a signatory. Israel itself is not a party to the NPT and is widely believed to possess the only nuclear arsenal in the Middle East.
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, speaking in Rome, stressed that Europe’s concerns with Iran extend beyond nuclear issues, citing Tehran’s backing of Russia and its detention of EU citizens.
Regional security remains fragile, with the Gaza conflict between Israel and Hamas adding to instability. Iranian officials said military drills were launched earlier than scheduled to prepare for potential threats, while foreign energy companies in Iraq reported business as usual.
Despite initial jumps, oil prices retreated, and shares in travel and airline companies fell on fears of a broader conflict. “The risk is clearly centered around Iran and the possibility of a U.S. or Israeli strike,” said Paul McNamara of GAM investment firm. “The situation could deteriorate dramatically if a sustained military campaign unfolds.”
Emirates airline said it had not altered flight operations but was closely monitoring the situation.
Iran maintains that its nuclear program is strictly for peaceful energy purposes, but its increasing enrichment activities and defiant rhetoric are heightening concerns of another major conflict in the Middle East.
