Iran has issued a dire warning, threatening to relocate its nuclear material to undeclared sites to safeguard it from a potential Israeli military strike. This alarming declaration, conveyed in an official letter from Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to the UN Secretary-General and the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), signals a dangerous escalation in the ongoing Iranian nuclear crisis.
Such a move would severely hinder the IAEA’s ability to monitor Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles, which are currently housed at accessible, declared sites. This would make it significantly more difficult for the international community to determine if Iran is pursuing a nuclear weapon.
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The threat follows recent reports from CNN and Axios detailing Israel’s preparations for swift strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities should U.S.-Iran nuclear talks collapse in the coming weeks. Sources suggest Israel believes its operational window for a successful strike may be closing.
In his letter, Araghchi stated, “Under conditions wherein threats made by the Zionist fanatics persist, the Islamic Republic of Iran shall be left with no recourse but to implement special measures for the protection of its nuclear facilities and materials, the relevant particulars of which shall thereafter be communicated to the IAEA.”
This critical development precedes a fifth round of nuclear talks scheduled for Friday in Rome, where Araghchi and White House envoy Steve Witkoff will meet, with Oman’s foreign minister mediating. The negotiations have hit a major roadblock, as Iran insists on retaining domestic enrichment capability – a “red line” for the U.S.
Further highlighting the gravity of the situation, Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer and Mossad chief David Barnea are also set to meet with Witkoff in Rome on Friday, on the sidelines of the nuclear talks. Israeli officials confirm their objective is to coordinate positions and receive immediate briefings following the discussions.
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The Israeli intelligence community has reportedly shifted its assessment, now believing that a nuclear deal, once thought to be imminent, could soon unravel. This revised outlook is fueling the urgency behind Israel’s preparations for a rapid strike, contingent on a green light from President Trump. A U.S. official, however, voiced concerns to Axios that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu might proceed with a strike even without Trump’s explicit approval.
President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu spoke on Thursday, agreeing “on the need to ensure that Iran does not obtain nuclear weapons,” according to the Israeli readout.
Araghchi’s letter also contained a direct warning, stating that Iran “will take all necessary measures to protect and defend its citizens, interests, and facilities against any terrorist or sabotage actions.” He added, “Iran strongly warns against any adventurism by the Israeli Zionist regime and will respond decisively to any threats or unlawful actions by this regime. We also believe that if any attack is carried out against the nuclear facilities of the Islamic Republic of Iran by the Israeli regime, the U.S. government will be complicit and bear legal responsibility.”
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The Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations further elaborated, stating, “In a letter to the UN SG & UNSC, Iran’s Foreign Minister warned of catastrophic consequences after alarming reports emerged quoting U.S. sources that the Zionist regime of Israel is preparing to strike Iran’s nuclear facilities and sites. He urged an urgent, decisive response & a strong condemnation of Israel’s grave violations. In the event of any attack against the nuclear facilities of the Islamic Republic of Iran by the Zionist regime, the Government of the United States shall bear legal responsibility—having been complicit therein.”
The escalating rhetoric and reported military preparations underscore the precarious state of regional stability and the immense challenges facing diplomatic efforts to resolve the Iranian nuclear standoff.
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