The rift between the International Atomic Energy Agency and Iran has intensified. The IAEA has accused Iran’s uranium enrichment process of approaching nuclear weapons levels. The new setback for Iran comes at a time when the steps to revive the nuclear deal are uncertain.
The latest report of the UN-supervised International Atomic Energy Agency is highly critical of Iran. The watchdog accused Tehran of significantly increasing its uranium enrichment even as Iran reiterated that it had no nuclear weapons ambitions. Enrichment has reached sixty percent. The agency also warned that if the enrichment level is increased further, the construction of nuclear weapons will be possible. The committee also pointed out that Iran refuses to hand over many critical information related to the enrichment process. What position the UN will take on the committee report is important. The report will also backfire on the move of major powers to restore the 2015 nuclear deal.
Meanwhile, Albania decided to sever all diplomatic ties with Iran. Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama ordered the expulsion of all diplomatic representatives after it was discovered that Iran was behind the cyber attack on Albania last July.