International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

Iran accuses the US of violating international law after strikes targeted the Darkhovin Nuclear Power Plant, which Iran describes as a symbol of national dignity and self-reliance. The Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran condemned the attack, while the US stated the strikes aimed to degrade Iran's ability to threaten shipping and retaliate against attacks on American service members.

The article argues against allowing Iran to enrich uranium, citing its possession of 970 lbs. of 60%-enriched uranium capable of producing 12 nuclear weapons if further enriched. It criticizes Iran's history of restricting International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) access to nuclear sites and highlights the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)'s sunset clauses, which expire in 2031, as insufficient to prevent potential weaponization.

Iran’s president, Masoud Pezeshkian, is in Pakistan for talks with officials mediating U.S.-Iran negotiations to end the Middle East war, as technical teams finalize the deal. Discrepancies remain over IAEA access to U.S.-bombed Iranian nuclear sites, and a 'de-confliction cell' was agreed to address Lebanon’s fighting and ensure the Strait of Hormuz remains open.

The US temporarily suspended sanctions against Iran following high-level talks in Switzerland, allowing Iranian oil production and sales until August 21. Iran committed to free transit in the Strait of Hormuz and IAEA inspections, but denied making new nuclear-related commitments. The move is part of a 60-day Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) framework aimed at reducing hostilities.

President Donald Trump’s new Iran framework faces criticism from nuclear experts who warn the deal may not adequately address Iran’s control over its enriched uranium stockpile. The U.S.-Iran MOU proposes resolving the stockpile through a future process involving IAEA-supervised downblending, but experts emphasize the need for unfettered inspections to verify compliance. Key details remain unresolved as planned negotiations were postponed, leaving concerns about Iran’s nuclear program unchecked.

President Trump’s new Iran framework faces warnings from nuclear experts about insufficient control over Iran’s uranium stockpile. The U.S.-Iran MOU proposes downblending enriched uranium under IAEA supervision but leaves key details unresolved, with experts emphasizing the need for unfettered on-site inspections. A recent IAEA report highlights limited visibility into Iran’s nuclear program, complicating verification efforts.

Nuclear experts support President Trump's stance against Iran's uranium enrichment program, rejecting Iran's claim to retain nuclear capabilities. Iran's Foreign Ministry refuses to transfer enriched uranium, while experts argue any remaining infrastructure could allow Iran to pursue nuclear weapons after Trump's presidency.