United States intelligence agencies believe Iran has advanced its nuclear research in a way that positions it closer to initiating a nuclear weapons program.
This development is particularly concerning given that Iran has accumulated enough highly enriched nuclear fuel for the manufacturing of several nuclear weapons.
Despite these advancements, U.S. officials maintain that there is no current evidence suggesting that Iran is actively pursuing the development of a nuclear device or that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is planning to resume the country’s nuclear weapons program, which was largely halted in 2003. (Related: Israel and U.S. bracing for imminent Iranian attack.)
Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, the situation has intensified following Iran’s threat to strike Israel in retaliation for the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, which Iran has attributed to Israeli actions.
In response, the White House, along with Egyptian and Qatari counterparts, are preparing for a final proposal to bridge the divide between Israel and Hamas. This effort aims to reach a ceasefire agreement in Gaza and secure the release of hostages held by Hamas. Both sides are set to meet for negotiations on Aug. 15.
While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed Israel's participation, Hamas officials have yet to respond regarding their attendance.
Iran vocal about nuclear ambitions
In an earlier report, Iran has been noted as being increasingly vocal about its ambitions to become a nuclear-armed state, and has made significant progress in developing key components for a nuclear weapon since April, when a wave of Iranian airstrikes on Israel was repelled by Israeli and allied forces.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken and National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, speaking separately at the Aspen Security Forum in Colorado, emphasized that the U.S. is closely monitoring Iran's nuclear activities.
While Sullivan noted that there is no current indication that Iran has decided to move forward with developing a nuclear bomb, he warned that such a decision would prompt a strong response from the United States.
"If they start moving down that road, they'll find a real problem with the United States," Sullivan stated. His remarks came in the context of increased scrutiny following Iran's attack on Israel, which marked its first direct assault on the country and was part of a series of retaliatory strikes.
Iran resumed its nuclear program after the administration of former President Donald Trump withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal, which had offered Iran relief from sanctions in exchange for stricter oversight of its nuclear activities. Although Iran asserts that its nuclear program is for civilian purposes, U.S. and international officials suspect that Khamenei himself is refraining from authorizing the development of nuclear weapons.
Blinken highlighted that Iran has made progress in developing fissile material. While Iran has not yet constructed a nuclear weapon, Blinken emphasized that the convergence of fissile material and explosive devices could lead to the creation of a nuclear weapon. The U.S. is actively monitoring Iran's progress and working diplomatically to contain any further advancements.
Sullivan also noted an increase in public statements from Iranian officials contemplating nuclear weapon development since the April exchanges with Israel and its allies, signaling that this is an area of heightened concern for U.S. policymakers.
Watch this clip warning how continuing the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East could result in a nuclear war.
This video is from the channel The Prisoner on Brighteon.com.
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U.S. on high alert as Iran's proxies threaten retaliation following Israeli strikes.
IRGC officer warns: Iran is capable of striking Israeli nuclear facilities.
Iranian lawmaker claims Tehran already possesses nuclear bombs.
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