In a significant development in international diplomacy, the White House has emphasized the critical importance of Iran accepting its latest proposal regarding a nuclear deal. This declaration follows the alarming findings from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which indicated a rapid growth in Iran’s stockpile of near weapons-grade enriched uranium.

U.S. Position on Iran’s Nuclear Ambitions

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on Saturday that President Trump remains steadfast in his commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. “President Trump has made it clear that Iran can never obtain a nuclear bomb,” Leavitt asserted. As part of these diplomatic efforts, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff has reportedly sent an acceptable proposal to the Iranian regime, which Leavitt claims is in Iran’s best interest to accept. Out of respect for ongoing negotiations, the administration refrained from disclosing specific details about the proposal.

IAEA Report Highlights Urgent Concerns

The IAEA’s latest report reveals that Iran’s stockpile of uranium enriched to levels as high as 60% has surged to an alarming 900.8 pounds as of May 17. This marks an almost 50% increase from the previous report in February, where the stockpile was documented at 605.8 pounds. The report categorically states that Iran is “the only non-nuclear-weapon state to produce such material,” raising serious concerns among the international community about the potential for nuclear proliferation.

Furthermore, the IAEA warned that a mere 92 pounds of uranium enriched to 60% is sufficient to produce an atomic bomb if further refined to 90% enrichment. This critical finding has amplified calls for diplomatic engagement and a renewed focus on nuclear negotiations.

Iran’s Response to International Criticism

In response to the IAEA report, Iran’s Foreign Ministry and the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran issued a joint statement denouncing the report as based on “unreliable and differing information sources.” They claimed that the findings were biased and unprofessional, suggesting that external pressures had influenced the agency’s conclusions. “The Islamic Republic of Iran expresses its disappointment about the report, which was prepared by imposing pressure on the agency for political purposes,” the statement read.

Diplomatic Efforts and Regional Reactions

Amid the tense atmosphere, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi expressed skepticism about the viability of reaching a nuclear deal, stating on X that true diplomatic solutions require an agreement that terminates all sanctions and recognizes Iran’s nuclear rights. He emphasized that Iran remains committed to continuing its nuclear enrichment, regardless of whether a deal is struck.

The nuance of the proposal was further detailed by Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi, who revealed Washington’s call for Iran to cease all uranium enrichment activities and suggested the creation of a regional consortium involving Iran, Saudi Arabia, and other Arab states alongside the U.S. for nuclear power production. This proposal signals a shift toward cooperative regional engagement in nuclear energy.

Israel’s Concerns and Calls to Action

Adding to the dialogue, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office issued a rare statement underlining the gravity of the IAEA’s findings. Netanyahu characterized the report as a “stark picture” that serves as a warning about Iran’s determination to advance its nuclear weapons program despite international admonitions.

The Israeli government reiterated its long-held belief that Iran’s nuclear program has no peaceful justification and warned that the scale of uranium enrichment being undertaken indicates intentions to pursue nuclear arms. “The report clearly indicates that Iran remains in non-compliance of its fundamental commitments and obligations under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT),” Netanyahu’s statement concluded, calling for urgent action from the international community to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions.