Iran’s Nuclear Surge Triggers Global Alarm at Cairo Talks

by Worthy News Jerusalem Bureau Staff

CAIRO (Worthy News) – Iran’s expanding uranium enrichment program sparked urgent diplomatic talks in Cairo on Monday, following an IAEA report warning that Tehran has nearly doubled its stockpile of uranium enriched to 60%–just shy of weapons-grade.

IAEA chief Rafael Grossi, attending the summit, called for clarity and diplomacy, saying the growing stockpile is a “serious concern” to the agency. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with Egyptian leaders and reiterated Iran’s “continuous cooperation,” though Tehran accuses Grossi of political bias, claiming he’s using the report to advance his U.N. ambitions.

According to IAEA Director-General Rafael Mariano Grossi, who was present in Cairo, the report was compiled to urge clarity and encourage diplomacy amid what he described as an “ongoing concern” to the IAEA’s board of governors. “We hope that by providing the clarification, we will be providing an incentive for a peaceful solution,” Grossi said.

The IAEA report confirms that Iran has amassed 408.6 kilograms (900.8 pounds) of uranium enriched to 60% purity—a nearly 50% increase since February—making it the only non-nuclear-weapon state to produce such material. A companion document further highlights Iran’s refusal to address concerns about undeclared nuclear sites tied to a suspected weapons program that operated prior to 2003. Enrichment at this level is considered just a short technical step from weapons-grade uranium.

Analysts warn that Iran may be using delaying tactics to quietly reach nuclear weapons capability—a status both the United States and Israel have vowed will never be allowed to take place.

Israel responded forcefully over the weekend. “This level of enrichment has no civilian justification,” said Prime Minister Netanyahu. “Iran is actively pursuing nuclear weapons. The world must act–before it’s too late.”

Omani mediators presented a new U.S. proposal in Tehran as part of ongoing nuclear talks. Iran is reviewing the offer, but negotiations remain deadlocked despite five rounds of talks.

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