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Iran stated this Tuesday that it is ready to resume its nuclear program and uranium enrichment without interruptions, amid a tense ceasefire reached with Israel following nearly two weeks of direct clashes.
"The nuclear program of Iran will resume without interruption, and we are ready to restart enrichment; our program will not stop," declared the Atomic Energy Agency of Iran, according to reports from state media and the Spanish EFE.
The announcement comes just twelve days after Israel launched a military offensive against nuclear and military facilities on Iranian territory, in an escalation of violence that provoked reprisals from Tehran and subsequent attacks by the United States.
The U.S. president, Donald Trump, confirmed early this morning that Israel and Iran had agreed to a ceasefire, although minutes later both parties accused each other of new missile launches, casting doubt on the stability of the agreement.
Trump responded harshly to the Iranian announcement on Tuesday, stating that the country "will never be able to rebuild its nuclear facilities."
Meanwhile, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, welcomed the announcement of the ceasefire and urged Iran to resume cooperation with his agency.
Grossi announced via the social network X that he has already contacted Iranian Foreign Minister Abás Araqchí to propose a meeting "soon" in order to find a diplomatic solution to the nuclear crisis.
The tension in the region surged since June 13, when Israel began attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities. Subsequently, the United States bombed three nuclear sites in Iran, triggering a strong response from Tehran, including an attack on Monday against the U.S. base at Al Udeid in Qatar, the largest Pentagon installation in the Middle East.
The IAEA has been monitoring the Iranian nuclear program for over two decades, although the lack of full cooperation has hindered the ability to ensure its exclusively peaceful nature. However, Grossi emphasized that there is currently no evidence that Iran is developing nuclear weapons.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Resumption of Iran's Nuclear Program and Tensions in the Middle East
Why has Iran announced the resumption of its nuclear program?
Iran has announced that it is ready to resume its nuclear program in response to recent military attacks by Israel and the United States. This announcement comes amid a context of heightened regional tension, following a series of clashes that have called into question the stability of the ceasefire agreed with Israel. Iran's goal is to continue uranium enrichment, which has heightened international concerns about the development of nuclear weapons.
How has the United States responded to this announcement from Iran?
The U.S. administration, led by President Donald Trump, has taken a confrontational stance towards Iran, confirming bombings of Iranian nuclear facilities and asserting that it will not allow Iran to develop nuclear weapons. Trump has maintained a firm rhetoric, demanding Iran's unconditional surrender and warning that any retaliation will be met with greater force.
What is Israel's role in this nuclear crisis?
Israel has played an active role in the crisis by conducting airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, justifying these actions as a preventive measure against the development of ballistic missiles and nuclear capabilities by Iran. Although Israel has temporarily halted its offensives following discussions with the United States, tensions remain due to ongoing accusations of ceasefire violations.
What role does the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) play in this conflict?
The IAEA, under the leadership of Rafael Grossi, has urged Iran to resume cooperation with the agency to ensure that its nuclear program is for exclusively peaceful purposes. Although the IAEA has been monitoring Iran's nuclear program for more than two decades, the lack of full cooperation from Iran has hindered the ability to confirm its peaceful nature, escalating international tensions.
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