Overview
- The 2015 nuclear deal has lapsed, U.S. sanctions were restored, and direct talks have stalled as Tehran rejects conditions Washington insists on for negotiations.
- IAEA chief Rafael Grossi estimates roughly 400 kilograms of uranium enriched to about 60 percent likely survived the summer strikes, though its status cannot be confirmed without fuller access.
- Iran is accelerating missile production with a stated goal of being able to launch about 2,000 missiles at once, far beyond the roughly 500 fired during June’s 12-day war.
- Israeli officials say they remain prepared to strike again if Iran advances toward a weapons capability, with analysts warning of a higher risk of confrontation but no sign of a specific timetable.
- Iran says U.N. inspectors recently visited some facilities, yet the IAEA reports it was denied access to Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan as work continues at hardened sites near Natanz known as Pickaxe Mountain.