Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz, escalating regional tensions after US and Israeli strikes. The US threatened harsh strikes on Iran, while Russia warned of nuclear proliferation risks and called for US nuclear weapons withdrawal from Europe. Other news includes inflation data from Russia and a Colombian president's suspension.
The IAEA expressed "nuclear proliferation concerns" due to Iran's inability to access nuclear materials for verification. Iran has an estimated 440 kg of 60% enriched uranium, approaching military use levels. Israel and the US previously targeted Iranian nuclear sites in June.
The IAEA has warned member states of new nuclear proliferation risks due to Iran's large stockpile of near-weapons-grade enriched uranium. A confidential document reveals that weekly inspections ceased after a June 2025 air strike, leaving the material unverified and raising concerns about potential diversion for military use.
Thomas Countryman, Chairman of the American Arms Control Association, stated that Russia's proposal to remove highly enriched uranium from Iran to Russia is a useful solution, similar to its role in the 2015 JCPOA. He noted that both this option and down-blending within Iran are good solutions to the nuclear proliferation problem, though negotiations between the US and Iran are ongoing. Former US President Donald Trump had previously expressed dissatisfaction with this option.
Russian MP Alexey Pushkov warned of nuclear proliferation risks if Israel uses nuclear weapons against Iran, a topic actively discussed on US television. Meanwhile, Trump gave Iran 48 hours to make a deal or face consequences, and Iran warned against further naval blockades in Lebanon.
