15.6 C
London
Tuesday, May 12, 2026

Iran warns it can enrich uranium to weapons grade level

Tehran has warned it can enrich its uranium to a weapons-grade level if Iran is attacked again.   

Iranian parliamentary spokesman Ebrahim Rezaei said on Tuesday in a post to X: ‘One of Iran’s options in the event of another attack could be 90 percent enrichment. We will review it in the parliament.’

Last June, Donald Trump said Iran’s nuclear facilities were ‘obliterated’ by US and Israeli strikes during a 12-day war, severely limiting Iran’s capacity to enrich uranium.

The fate of around 400kgs (882lbs) of uranium enriched to 60%, a short technical step from roughly 90% weapons-grade material, remains unclear.

US intelligence assessments suggest Tehran’s nuclear programme will not be significantly impeded unless that highly enriched uranium (HEU) stockpile is removed or destroyed.

The nuclear issue has been a key point of contention in talks between the US and Iran to end the conflict that began in late February. 

Tehran wants nuclear topics discussed at a later stage, while Washington insists Iran should move its highly enriched uranium stockpile abroad and renounce domestic enrichment.

On Monday, US president Donald Trump said an ongoing ceasefire between America and Iran was on ‘life support’ after dismissing an Iranian proposal, underscoring how fragile diplomatic efforts to end the conflict remain.

Last June, Donald Trump (pictured) said Iran's nuclear facilities were 'obliterated' by US and Israeli strikes during a 12-day war

Last June, Donald Trump (pictured) said Iran’s nuclear facilities were ‘obliterated’ by US and Israeli strikes during a 12-day war

A satellite image shows the Natanz nuclear facility in Iran after an airstrike in this handout image dated June 14, 2025

A satellite image shows the Natanz nuclear facility in Iran after an airstrike in this handout image dated June 14, 2025

It comes as Kuwait accused Iran of sending an armed paramilitary Revolutionary Guard team to launch a failed attack earlier this month on an island in the Middle East nation home to a China-funded port project.

Read More

EXCLUSIVE The secret hidden traps set for Trump as he meets Xi Jinping face-to-face in China amid Iran tension

article image

The accusation by Kuwait of an Iranian link to the incident came just before Trump travels to Beijing for a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Iran didn’t immediately acknowledge the allegation by Kuwait, which came under repeated attack by Iran in the war and even during the shaky ceasefire still holding in the region. 

However, the allegation and ongoing attacks throughout the region have threatened to tip the region back into open warfare.

The accusation came as the US ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee revealed that Israel sent Iron Dome air defence batteries and personnel to operate them in the United Arab Emirates during the war with Iran. 

‘Can I say a word of appreciation, deep appreciation and admiration for the United Arab Emirates?’ Mike Huckabee said during a conference at Tel Aviv University.

‘They were the first Abraham Accords member but look at the benefits that they have had as a result. Israel just sent them Iron Dome batteries and personnel to help operate them. How come? Because there’s an extraordinary relationship between the UAE and Israel based on the Abraham Accords,’ he said.

Iran targeted the UAE more than any other country during the war, which was sparked by US-Israeli strikes on the Islamic republic at the end of February.

Despite a ceasefire that came into effect last month, the UAE has since reported multiple missile and drone attacks from Iran.

The oil-rich United Arab Emirates is a top US ally in the region and among the Arab nations with official ties to Israel after signing the Abraham Accords during US President Donald Trump’s first term in 2020.

Hot this week

Diana’s ex-hairdresser condemns ‘evil’ comments about Kate’s hair

Princess Diana's former hairdresser has condemned 'nasty' comments made about the Princess of Wales 's hair - as she stepped out with her newly blonde tresses.

Experts reveal how many tins of tuna is safe to eat a week

The NHS advises people to eat at least two portions of fish a week, yet a recent investigation revealed toxic metals, including mercury, could be lurking in cans of tinned tuna sold in the UK.

The unusual breakfast request Princess Lilibet asks Meghan Markle for

Meghan Markle revealed her children's favourite meals and that she 'doesn't like baking' on the second season of her lifestyle show With Love, Meghan.

Some people DO see ghosts – and medics say there’s an explanation

An astonishing third of people in the UK and almost half of Americans say they believe in ghosts, spirits and other types of paranormal activity.

The best places to live in Britain’s idyllic national parks

Many of us toy with the idea of moving somewhere close to nature, with a friendly community, where the pace of life is more civilised. But where to find such a place? A national park could be the answer.

Demi Moore wows at the Cannes Film Festival opening ceremony

The stars were out in force for the Cannes Film Festival opening ceremony in the south of France on Tuesday night.

Keep King out of fight to oust Starmer before King’s Speech – Palace

Charles's aides reportedly voiced fears to No10 about the impartial monarch being dragged into a Labour row over who should be party leader and Prime Minister.

LIVE: Fourth minister quits over Keir Starmer’s leadership

LIVE UPDATES: Follow the latest developments as Sir Keir Starmer faces pressure from his Cabinet to step aside following the party's disastrous local election results.

Rory McIlroy reveals he knew about LIV Golf collapse TWO months ago

RIATH AL-SAMARRAI, PHILADELPHIA: While the Saudi exit was accurately forecasted a fortnight earlier, McIlroy's timeline suggests he received a tip-off prior to his second victory at the Masters.

Gwyneth Paltrow’s mini-me daughter Apple Martin lands a massive job

Apple Martin, 21, was the star of Chloe's summer campaign, which came out on Tuesday.

Borrowing costs to remain high amid Starmer turmoil – MARKETS LIVE

Starmer's reset speech failed to convince MPs and the bond market. This afternoon, borrowing costs climbed again.

Worst dressed stars of all time at Cannes as film festival kicks off

Tonight, A-listers will flock to the hallowed steps of the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès on the French town's seafront to showcase the first of their ensembles for the annual 12-day occasion.

HERBERT: Alonso is a bad fit at Chelsea – but this man is perfect

A moment during Chelsea's recent draw with Burnley told you the club was drowning in incompetence and needed a new manager capable of speaking truth to those American owners.
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img