In a damning new report, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) revealed that Iran conducted secret nuclear activities using undeclared material at three long-suspected sites — confirming fears that Tehran was operating a clandestine nuclear weapons program.

The confidential report, obtained by Reuters, was requested by the IAEA’s 35-nation Board of Governors and outlines decades of nuclear violations. It concludes that Iran operated a covert and structured nuclear weapons initiative until the early 2000s, and stored nuclear material and contaminated equipment at a fourth site, Turquzabad, between 2009 and 2018 — the same facility publicly exposed by Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu at the United Nations in 2018.

The report notes Iran’s cooperation with IAEA inspectors remains “less than satisfactory,” with Tehran still failing to explain traces of uranium found at undeclared locations. The IAEA said the activities “used undeclared nuclear material” and were directly relevant to nuclear weapons development.

In response, the United States, Britain, France, and Germany plan to submit a resolution declaring Iran in breach of its nuclear non-proliferation obligations at the upcoming IAEA board meeting during the week of June 9. It would mark the first time in nearly 20 years that Iran is officially declared non-compliant.

Tehran rejected the IAEA’s findings as “politically motivated” and threatened “appropriate measures” should action be taken against it.

Meanwhile, a separate IAEA report disclosed that Iran’s stockpile of 60% enriched uranium — just a short step from weapons-grade — has ballooned to 408.6 kilograms, nearly enough to build nine atomic bombs. The agency warned that Iran is now “the only non-nuclear-weapon state to produce such material,” calling the development “a matter of serious concern.”

In a rare public statement issued on Shabbos, Prime Minister Netanyahu responded to the revelations, stating:

“The IAEA has reported a grave and unequivocal report on Iran’s nuclear program. The agency presents a stark picture that serves as a clear warning sign: despite countless warnings by the international community, Iran is totally determined to complete its nuclear weapons program.

“This report strongly reinforces what Israel has been saying for years — the purpose of Iran’s nuclear program is not peaceful. This is evident from the alarming scope of Iran’s uranium enrichment activity, which has no civilian justification.

“The international community must act now to stop Iran.”

The latest findings are expected to intensify pressure on Western powers and may eventually lead to Iran being referred to the UN Security Council, though that step is likely to come in future board sessions.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)