US Concern Over Intensified Nuclear Activities of Iran

On Thursday, June 1, the US Secretary of State expressed concern over Iran's intensified nuclear activities during a meeting with his British, German, and French counterparts. This meeting took place on the sidelines of the NATO Foreign Ministers' meeting in Oslo, Norway. Antony Blinken shared images from his meeting with the British, German, and French counterparts on Twitter. Prior to the US Secretary of State's remarks, John Kirby, the National Security Council's Strategic Communications Coordinator, emphasized that the JCPOA is currently not on the US agenda and has fallen off the country's priorities. He reiterated: 'Officials of the Islamic Republic and their representatives have never negotiated in good faith and have shown no willingness to move in this direction. Therefore, nothing has changed, but we want to ensure that Iran does not acquire nuclear weapons.' On the other hand, Robert Malley, the US Special Envoy for Iran, stated in an interview with National Public Radio (NPR) that in light of President Joe Biden's previous comments about military options being 'on the table' if Iran continues its efforts to build a nuclear bomb, 'the military option is far from our preferred option, but Biden will do whatever is necessary to ensure Iran does not acquire a bomb.' Blinken also announced on Thursday that in his discussions with the three European counterparts, they talked about 'coordinating efforts' to support Ukraine while it continues to defend itself against Russia's brutal aggression. In recent months, Russia has targeted Ukrainian infrastructure and civilians using drones made in the Islamic Republic. The expansion of military cooperation between Tehran and Moscow following Russia's invasion of Ukraine has prompted Western countries to impose several sanctions packages against Iranian officials and entities active in this area. The US sanctioned five members of the Revolutionary Guard in connection with a 'plot to assassinate' outside of Iran. The Washington Post reported that Iran intends to increase attacks against US forces in Syria. The agency noted that only part of the surveillance equipment at Iran's nuclear facilities has been installed. France reacted to the 'Khaybar' missile test, stating it violates the Security Council resolution. The US response to Politico's report indicated that nothing has changed and all options remain on the table. The International Atomic Energy Agency is concerned about a ten percent decrease in verification and inspection of Iran's nuclear facilities. The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the US Army stated that the Islamic Republic is only a few months away from producing nuclear weapons.