Senior Republican Senator: Iran Must Completely Halt Enrichment

Lindsey Graham, a senior Republican senator in the U.S. Congress, called on Sunday, March 10, for a complete halt to enrichment activities by the Islamic Republic and the removal of high-purity enriched uranium from Iran. In an interview with Fox News, Senator Graham expressed serious concern over Iran's nuclear activities, stating that the 'most destabilizing' event in the world would be the Islamic Republic's acquisition of nuclear weapons. He warned that the ruling ayatollahs in Iran would use nuclear weapons against Israel and the West if they obtained them. The senior Republican senator noted that the Islamic Republic has enough uranium enriched to 60% to produce six nuclear bombs. He emphasized that 60% enrichment has no civilian justification, and enrichment at levels of 3 to 5% is done for civilian purposes. Senator Graham further stated that a 'good agreement' with the Iranian government should end enrichment by the Islamic Republic and remove all high-purity enriched uranium from the country. He insisted that such an agreement should be reached 'quickly' so that the Islamic Republic would not have the nuclear capability to build a bomb. Rafael Grossi, the Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), announced to the IAEA Board of Governors on Monday, March 4, that the Islamic Republic has increased its stock of uranium enriched to 60% to 275 kilograms. According to the information provided by Grossi, 'the Islamic Republic has increased its reserves of uranium enriched to 60% from 182 kilograms to 275 kilograms over the past three months.' The IAEA Director-General described Iran as the only non-nuclear country that has enriched uranium to this degree, which he termed a 'serious concern.' In this context, Ali Khamenei, the leader of the Iranian government, referred to the possibility of negotiations with the U.S. during a meeting with several officials on Saturday, March 9, stating that their goal is to 'propose new expectations' and that these expectations 'will certainly not be met by [the Islamic Republic] Iran.' In response to Khamenei's remarks on Saturday, a U.S. State Department spokesperson told Voice of America that President Trump has explicitly stated that the United States is committed to preventing the Iranian government from acquiring nuclear weapons and has expressed readiness to negotiate a 'deal with Iran.' If the Iranian regime does not want an agreement, the President has clearly stated that Iran will remain under the revived maximum pressure campaign. Since his return to the White House, Trump has revived the 'maximum pressure' policy and called for a comprehensive agreement with the Islamic Republic. However, Ali Khamenei has declared any negotiations with the U.S. forbidden. Meanwhile, the economic situation in Iran is worsening daily due to the government's extensive tensions with the world and the West. A few days ago, Trump announced that he had written to the leaders of the Islamic Republic and expressed hope for negotiations, which made headlines. The U.S. President also warned that the only options for dealing with the Islamic Republic are 'reaching an agreement' or 'military action.' On Friday, March 8, Trump also stated at the White House regarding Iran that a significant event will happen soon, that decisive moments regarding Iran have arrived, and that 'interesting days' lie ahead. He emphasized, 'I hope the outcome is peace, but the other way will also solve the problem.' U.S. officials have repeatedly stated in recent weeks that if the Iranian government does not agree to a new comprehensive agreement, the 'maximum pressure' campaign, which was revived with the start of Trump's administration, will continue. Israel and the U.S. have repeatedly stated that they will not allow the Iranian government to acquire nuclear weapons. Khamenei rejected the proposal for negotiations; the U.S.: If they do not want an agreement, maximum pressure will remain. Joint U.S.-Israeli air exercises in the Middle East. The European Troika: The Islamic Republic must immediately stop nuclear escalation. The European Union: The Iranian government must not acquire nuclear weapons. Bradski: The stage is set for confrontation between the U.S. and the Iranian government. Rubio: The Iranian government cannot acquire nuclear weapons to hold the world hostage. The U.S. State Department: The Islamic Republic is not allowed to acquire nuclear weapons.