Iran Blames ‘Sabotage’ for Uranium Traces as Nuclear Dispute with UN Agency Heats Up
Iran pushed back on Saturday against a scathing report from the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog, claiming that the unexplained uranium particles found at several undeclared sites were not the result of wrongdoing, but of sabotage. The rebuttal comes as Tehran continues indirect negotiations with the United States, with Oman serving as mediator.
The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran said it had uncovered “more clues … confirming that acts of sabotage or hostile actions” were behind the nuclear contamination. The agency insisted it had made “utmost efforts” to track down the source of the uranium and said its nuclear program remains strictly peaceful.
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The claim followed a report from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which sharply criticized Iran for failing to provide credible answers about man-made uranium traces found at three previously unreported sites. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said Iran’s cooperation had been “less than satisfactory.”
While the IAEA didn’t accuse Iran of actively pursuing nuclear weapons, the report raised red flags about transparency and compliance. Iran, for its part, argued the findings posed no risk of proliferation and accused the IAEA of offering no proof that its nuclear activity had veered into military territory.
As talks drag on over sanctions relief and nuclear safeguards, the rhetorical clash signals more tension ahead.
