Netanyahu Urges Global Action as IAEA Confirms Iran Can Build One Nuclear Bomb a Month
by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent
(Worthy News) – Despite ongoing nuclear negotiations with the United States, Iran has dramatically increased its uranium enrichment, amassing enough material for one nuclear bomb every month, according to a classified International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) report obtained by The Wall Street Journal.
The report, circulated to IAEA member states, confirms Iran now possesses 408.6 kilograms (900 pounds) of 60%-enriched uranium–a 50% jump from February’s stockpile. IAEA benchmarks indicate that this amount, if enriched to 90% weapons-grade, would be enough for approximately 10 nuclear weapons.
The IAEA expressed “serious concern” over Iran’s activities, noting that it is the only non-nuclear weapons state producing uranium enriched to such a high level. Director General Rafael Grossi wrote, “Iran’s significant increase in the production and stockpiling of high-enriched uranium… is a matter of grave concern.” The agency also acknowledged it cannot verify Iran’s claim that its nuclear activities are peaceful.
In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office issued a stark warning: “The report shows that Iran’s nuclear program is not for peaceful purposes. Iran is determined to complete the development of a nuclear weapons program. The international community must act now to stop Iran.”
The IAEA also released a companion report detailing Iran’s ongoing refusal to cooperate with investigations into undeclared nuclear material found at multiple sites. The agency concluded that Iran had operated a “structured, undeclared nuclear program” until the early 2000s, involving secret experiments and storage of nuclear materials at locations such as Lavisan-Shian, Varamin, and Turquzabad. These sites were never disclosed to international inspectors.
According to the report, Iran conducted a small-scale nuclear reaction experiment at Lavisan-Shian and stored nuclear-handling equipment and fissile materials in violation of its international obligations. Some of the undeclared material was reportedly handled between 2009 and 2018.
U.S. officials estimate Iran could convert its current 60%-enriched uranium stockpile to weapons-grade within two weeks, though full weaponization–including warhead miniaturization and missile integration–would require additional months. Nonetheless, intelligence suggests Iran is actively developing the necessary components, including detonators.
With this new evidence, the U.S., Britain, France, and Germany are expected to push for a formal resolution declaring Iran in violation of its obligations under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. A vote could come as early as June 9.
Despite the escalating crisis, U.S. President Donald Trump struck a hopeful tone on Friday, telling reporters at the Oval Office, “We have a chance of making a deal with Iran. They don’t want to be blown up. They would rather make a deal.”
Trump emphasized the importance of preventing a nuclear-armed Iran, stating, “They cannot have a nuclear weapon. It’s very simple.” He added, “If we could have a deal without bombs being all over the Middle East, that would be a very good thing.”
Meanwhile, talks between U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi continued in Rome. Araghchi insisted Iran would never accept restrictions on its right to enrich uranium and dismissed Western concerns as “domineering.” He maintained that Tehran is not seeking nuclear weapons but would not compromise on enrichment levels.
The IAEA’s findings starkly contrast with Iran’s public statements. In Jerusalem, Netanyahu’s office concluded: “The IAEA presents a stark picture that serves as a clear warning. This level of enrichment exists only in countries actively pursuing nuclear weapons and has no civilian justification. The world must act–before it’s too late.”
IRAN’S NUCLEAR AMBITIONS CONNECTED TO PROPHECY?
While the West often views Iran’s nuclear program through a secular lens, the spiritual aspect, which plays a central role in driving Iran’s nuclear ambitions, should not be overlooked. Iran is the only country where Twelver Shi’ism is the state religion.
Twelver Shīʿism, the largest branch of Shīʿa Islam, makes up about 85% of Shīʿas. “Twelver” signifies belief in twelve divinely appointed leaders, the Twelve Imams, with the last, Imam al-Mahdi, expected to return as the Mahdi. Twelvers see the Imams as Muhammad’s spiritual and political successors, guiding with justice and interpreting the inner meanings of the Qur’an and Islamic law. They are viewed as infallible (Ismah) and divinely chosen (nass).
The Twelvers believe that the Mahdi is expected to appear in times of extreme chaos, returning alongside Jesus as a messiah to bring peace and establish Islam globally.
Twelver beliefs, Iran’s nuclear ambitions, and threats toward Israel and the West have raised concerns. Critics suggest that Iran’s Supreme Leader might incite conflict to hasten the 12th Imam’s arrival. Former Iranian President Ahmadinejad has even called for the Imam’s return at the UN, asserting that the Islamic Revolution’s primary goal is to prepare for his reappearance.
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