Iran has rejected a US nuclear agreement proposal delivered by Oman’s foreign minister, while the UN nuclear watchdog reports a 50% increase in Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile.
At a Glance
- The IAEA reports Iran’s highly enriched uranium stockpile increased by 50%, now at 408.6kg
- Iran rejected the report, claiming it contains “politically motivated” accusations based on “forged documents from Israel”
- Oman served as diplomatic intermediary delivering a US proposal amid ongoing nuclear negotiations
- The US withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal in 2018, prompting Iran to rebuild uranium stockpiles
- Iran claims its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only, while leveraging advancements for negotiation strength
IAEA Report Exposes Alarming Increase in Iranian Nuclear Materials
A new International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) report has revealed that Iran’s stockpile of uranium enriched up to 60% increased to 408.6kg as of May 17, marking a significant 50% increase since February. The report also expressed “serious concern” regarding undisclosed nuclear activities at three locations the Iranian regime has not declared. This development comes at a critical juncture as the United States attempts to reestablish diplomatic dialogue with Iran regarding its nuclear ambitions, with Oman playing a key role as intermediary.
The Iranian government immediately rejected the watchdog’s findings, claiming the report contains baseless, politically motivated accusations. Iranian officials further alleged the report relied on forged documents provided by Israel, a longtime regional adversary. Despite these denials, the substantial increase in enriched uranium has raised alarms among Western nations about Iran’s potential progress toward weapons-grade nuclear material, which requires approximately 90% enrichment.
⚡️BREAKING
US finally sends proposal for a nuclear deal with Iran
The proposal is being reviewed by Tehran at the moment pic.twitter.com/nNhcy2B15L
— Iran Observer (@IranObserver0) May 31, 2025
Oman’s Diplomatic Role in US-Iran Nuclear Negotiations
Oman has emerged as a crucial diplomatic channel between the United States and Iran as tensions remain high over the nuclear issue. The Omani foreign minister recently traveled to Tehran on a brief diplomatic mission to deliver a new American proposal regarding nuclear agreements. This diplomatic initiative underscores Oman’s continued role as a trusted intermediary between the two nations, which have not maintained direct diplomatic relations since 1979.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi acknowledged receiving the proposal but provided no specific details about its contents. However, he strategically noted that advancements in Iran’s nuclear program could provide valuable leverage in ongoing negotiations with Washington. This statement appears to confirm suspicions that Iran’s accelerated uranium enrichment serves partly as a bargaining chip rather than solely for energy purposes as officially claimed.
NEW: Iran delivered a formal written response to Trump's letter proposing new nuclear talks and threatening consequences if a deal is not reached swiftlyhttps://t.co/C2eeq2dvoD
— Axios (@axios) March 27, 2025
Historical Context and Future Implications
The current diplomatic standoff has its roots in the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which Iran signed with major world powers. Under this agreement, Iran committed to limiting its nuclear development in exchange for sanctions relief. However, in 2018, the United States unilaterally withdrew from the agreement and reimposed harsh economic sanctions, prompting Iran to gradually rebuild its uranium stockpiles beyond the limits established in the original deal.
The latest IAEA findings may prompt the United States, Britain, France, and Germany to formally declare Iran in violation of its non-proliferation obligations. President Donald Trump has clearly stated that Iran “cannot have a nuclear weapon” while suggesting a deal remains possible without military intervention. Political science professor Hamed Mousavi observed that the IAEA report could paradoxically strengthen Iran’s negotiating position, as the regime can now offer more significant concessions.
Saudi Arabia has reportedly urged Iran to reach an agreement with the United States to avoid potential military action from Israel, which views Iran’s nuclear program as an existential threat. As tensions escalate, Oman’s diplomatic channel remains one of the few functioning avenues for de-escalation in this high-stakes international standoff that continues to threaten regional stability.
