The President of the United States questioned Khamenei's regime after it did not halt its nuclear program or uranium enrichment
The situation has worsened with the withdrawal of the last inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) from Iran, after being unable to access the bombed nuclear facilities.
U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Friday that Iran has not agreed to subject its nuclear program to inspections nor has it renounced uranium enrichment, reaffirming Washington's distrust regarding Tehran's nuclear intentions.
During a conversation with journalists aboard Air Force One, Trump indicated that, in his opinion, the Iranian nuclear program had been "permanently weakened," although he acknowledged that Iran could restart it elsewhere. "If they did, it would be a problem," he warned. He also stated that he would not allow Iran to resume its nuclear program and asserted that Tehran is interested in meeting with him.
Trump announced that he would discuss the situation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who will visit the White House on Monday.
These statements arise in a context of increasing international tension following recent U.S. and Israeli military attacks against Iranian nuclear facilities, within the framework of a 12-day armed conflict with the Islamic Republic.
As a result of these attacks, Iran's three main uranium enrichment sites have been destroyed or severely damaged. However, uncertainty persists regarding the whereabouts of the nine metric tons (19,841 pounds) of enriched uranium that Iran possessed before the conflict, especially the more than 500 kilograms (1,102 pounds) enriched to 60%, a level very close to weapons grade.
The director general of the agency, Rafael Grossi, has reiterated that the return of the inspectors is his main priority, although current security conditions prevent inspections from resuming. In addition, the Iranian parliament has passed a law suspending cooperation with the IAEA until the security of its nuclear facilities is guaranteed.
Although Iran has not yet officially informed the IAEA about the suspension of cooperation, uncertainty about the future of inspections remains. Iran has accused the international agency of indirectly facilitating the bombings by publishing a critical report on May 31.
This report led to a resolution by the IAEA Board of Governors, composed of 35 countries, which declared Iran in violation of its nuclear nonproliferation obligations.
The background of this crisis lies in the harsh accusations by the United States and Israel that Iran seeks to develop nuclear weapons under the pretext of a civilian program. Meanwhile, Tehran insists that its program is for peaceful purposes. The withdrawal of the inspectors and the suspension of cooperation with the IAEA represent a serious setback for international efforts to monitor and control Iran's nuclear program.
