Vienna: U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright has called for the complete dismantling of Iran’s uranium enrichment and plutonium reprocessing capabilities, raising concerns over Tehran’s advancing nuclear activities. Speaking at the United Nations’ International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference in Vienna, Wright emphasized that Iran’s nuclear program poses a significant risk to regional and global security unless fully curtailed.
The call comes in the wake of heightened tensions following a joint U.S.-Israel airstrike on Iran’s uranium facilities in June, triggered by fears that Iran was approaching weapons-grade nuclear capacity. While the IAEA has not found direct evidence of an active weapons program, its latest report indicates that Iran’s stockpile of uranium enriched to 60% purity has reached 440.9 kilograms alarmingly close to weapons-grade levels. Since the airstrikes, Iran has blocked full IAEA inspections, leaving the current status of its enriched uranium uncertain.
In response to the developments, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany the E3 nations—have initiated a one-month process to reimpose sanctions that were lifted under the 2015 nuclear deal. These measures, which were suspended after the U.S. withdrew from the agreement in 2018, could be paused if Iran allows unrestricted IAEA access and engages in renewed nuclear dialogue with Washington.
Iran, however, continues to assert that its nuclear activities are peaceful and fully compliant with the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Meanwhile, Israel, a non-NPT signatory widely believed to possess nuclear weapons, has maintained a policy of strategic ambiguity regarding its arsenal. Wright stressed that diplomatic avenues remain open, suggesting that economic incentives and international cooperation could encourage Tehran to abandon its nuclear weapons ambitions.
The escalating situation underscores the fragility of nuclear diplomacy in the Middle East. With regional tensions rising, the international community faces mounting pressure to balance enforcement measures with dialogue, ensuring that Iran’s nuclear capabilities remain under strict scrutiny while avoiding the outbreak of broader conflict.
Photo: U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright addresses the IAEA General Conference in Vienna, calling for Iran’s uranium enrichment program to be dismantled.