The US and Israel Examine New Information on the Islamic Republic's Nuclear Activities

American and Israeli officials reported that they are reviewing new information regarding the potential activities of the Islamic Republic in the field of nuclear weapons research and development. According to Axios news outlet on Tuesday, June 18, four American and Israeli officials deemed the computer modeling by the Islamic Republic's nuclear scientists suspicious, considering it to have capabilities for research and development in the area of nuclear weapons. The report described the purpose of the Islamic Republic's computer modeling as unclear, and US and Israeli intelligence agencies are currently examining new information on this matter. The Israeli newspaper Jerusalem Post quoted senior American officials as calling this development 'suspicious and alarming.' Matthew Miller, spokesperson for the US State Department, recently warned in response to the Islamic Republic's actions to increase uranium enrichment capacity at its two underground sites that the United States would respond to this action. The White House and officials close to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have yet to respond to the Axios report. Senior officials from both countries are scheduled to meet on Thursday, June 20, at the US-Israel Strategic Advisory Group (SAG) meeting at the White House to discuss the Islamic Republic's nuclear program. This is considered the first comprehensive meeting of American and Israeli officials to discuss Iran's nuclear program in about fifteen months. France, Germany, and Britain condemned the Islamic Republic's recent actions to escalate its nuclear program in a statement on June 16. Previously, leaders of the G7 countries had warned the Islamic Republic about advancing its nuclear enrichment program. Despite long-standing secrecy regarding its nuclear activities and various obstructions, including restricting access for International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors, the Islamic Republic continues to claim that its nuclear activities are for peaceful purposes. This claim has been repeatedly questioned by Western countries. NATO Chief: We are consulting on 'readiness' of nuclear weapons. France, Germany, and Britain condemned the Islamic Republic's actions to expand its nuclear program. G7 leaders warned the Islamic Republic: Stop enrichment activities and cooperate with the agency. The US: Tehran's nuclear program expansion has no credible peaceful objectives; we will respond.