Iran Condemns Austria Over Report on Advanced Nuclear Weapons Program
In an escalating diplomatic row, Iran has issued a fierce condemnation against Austria for a report that claims the Islamic Republic has an advanced nuclear weapons program. The report, released by Austria’s Directorate State Protection and Intelligence Service, suggests that Iran has developed long-range ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear warheads, an assertion that has drawn sharp criticism from Tehran. Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmail Baqaei, denounced the Austrian intelligence agency for spreading lies, calling the report an ‘irresponsible, provocative, and destructive act’ by one of its official institutions. In response, Iran has demanded that Austrian authorities provide an official explanation for the findings.
Austria, in turn, has reiterated its position on Iran’s nuclear program. According to Austrian officials, the country’s Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs has summoned Tehran-based diplomat Michaela Pacher to the Iranian foreign ministry for a discussion. Austrian officials stated that Pacher would reiterate Austria’s and the European Union’s position on the Iranian nuclear program, a stance recently expressed to the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Board of Governors. The EU had previously raised concerns about Iran’s nuclear activities, stating that the country has accumulated enough uranium enriched to near weapons-grade levels and is continuing to produce such material, which poses significant proliferation risks.
Meanwhile, the IAEA has also issued its own concerns. A confidential report by the UN nuclear watchdog indicated that Iran has amassed 408.6 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60%, a technical step away from weapons-grade levels. The agency has called on Tehran to comply with its probe and change its course, expressing serious concern over Iran’s actions. This report comes at a sensitive time, with Iran and the United States holding talks on a potential nuclear deal that President Trump seeks to finalize. However, the report appears to contradict U.S. intelligence assessments, which suggest that Iran has not yet initiated a weapons program but has taken steps to better position itself for potential nuclear weapon production.
Iran’s foreign minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, has called for a diplomatic solution that would fully terminate all sanctions and uphold Iran’s nuclear rights, including enrichment. He has expressed a desire for a deal that serves the interests of all sides but has cautioned that progress must come through negotiations rather than media speculation. Meanwhile, the U.S. remains committed to preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, with Trump’s administration stating that the country should not be allowed to develop such capabilities.
Internationally, the situation has sparked additional scrutiny. The U.S. intelligence community has pointed out that the conflicting views between European and U.S. intelligence services over Iran’s nuclear program have long been a point of contention. Additionally, the report coincides with a nationwide truckers’ strike in Iran, which could impact the regime’s stability. Exiled Iranian crown prince Reza Pahlavi has called on U.S. labor unions to support the Iranian truckers, who are facing restrictions on organizing and expressing their grievances.
As tensions continue to rise, the implications of these findings extend beyond bilateral relations. The European Union, the United States, and international organizations like the IAEA are closely monitoring Iran’s nuclear activities. The outcome of these diplomatic efforts could significantly influence the future of Iran’s nuclear program and its relations with the global community.