EU says concerned UN can't verify Iran's nuclear program is peaceful

The Islamic Republic is "exploiting the time (provided by nuclear talks) to modify nuclear facilities in ways that could diminish the impact of a potential (Israeli) military strike on those sites and their outcomes,” The Jerusalem Post reported on Wednesday citing Western intelligence sources.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned European powers against a resolution at the UN nuclear watchdog drafted by the United States as well as the so-called E3 powers Britain, France and Germany which is due later on Wednesday.

"The E3 have had SEVEN YEARS to implement their JCPOA commitments. They have utterly failed, either by design or ineptitude," Araghchi wrote on X, referring to a 2015 international nuclear deal.

"Instead of displaying remorse or a desire to facilitate diplomacy, the E3 is today promoting confrontation through the absurd demand that Iran must be punished for exercising its right under the JCPOA to respond to non-performance by counterparts."

"Another major strategic mistake by the E3 will compel Iran to react STRONGLY," Araghchi added. "Blame will lie solely and FULLY with malign actors who shatter their own relevance."

The resolution at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is due to be introduced within hours.

Araghchi did not make any mention of the United States, possibly reflecting caution as delicate nuclear talks between Tehran and Washington continue.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth suggested to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Wednesday that signs pointed to Iran potentially seeking a nuclear weapon.

Hegseth was asked by US Senator Lindsay Graham, "Mr. Secretary, have the Iranians been trying to build a nuke?"

"There are plenty of indications that they have been moving their way towards something that would look a lot like a nuclear weapon," Hegseth replied, without elaborating.

Graham later added, "Is there a whole lot of difference between a nuclear weapon in the hands of al Qaeda and the Ayatollah in Iran? I don't think so. They just have a different religious reason to do it."

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth suggested to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Wednesday that Iran appeared to be pursuing a potential nuclear weapon.

Hegseth was asked by Senator Lindsay Graham, "Mr. Secretary, have the Iranians been trying to build a nuke?"

"There are plenty of indications that they have been moving their way towards something that would look a lot like a nuclear weapon," he replied.

Graham later added: "Is there a whole lot of difference between a nuclear weapon in the hands of al Qaeda and the Ayatollah in Iran? I don't think so. They just have a different religious reason to do it."

“Iran, as a committed member of the NPT, and also based on its own strategic calculations and the Fatwa of the Supreme Leader, will not seek to develop or acquire nuclear weapons,” Iran’s ambassador to the IAEA told the agency’s Board of Governors on Wednesday.