The White House is urging Iran to accept a new nuclear agreement after the IAEA reported a nearly 50% increase in enriched uranium stockpile.

Enrichment Surge Prompts Diplomatic Push

The White House has called on Iran to accept a new nuclear proposal following an alarming report from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The agency stated that Iran’s stockpile of uranium enriched up to 60% surged to 900.8 pounds as of May 17—nearly 50% more than the 605.8 pounds recorded in February.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt underscored the urgency of the situation. “President Trump has made it clear that Iran can never obtain a nuclear bomb,” she said. “Special Envoy Steve Witkoff has sent a detailed and acceptable proposal to the Iranian regime, and it’s in their best interest to accept it.” She added that the administration will not disclose proposal details while negotiations are ongoing.

The IAEA noted that Iran remains the only non-nuclear-weapon state to produce such highly enriched material, calling the development a “serious concern.” According to the agency, only 92 pounds of uranium enriched to 60% would be required to build a nuclear weapon if further refined to 90% purity.

International Alarm and Regional Diplomacy

Iran maintains that its nuclear program is intended for peaceful energy purposes. However, U.S. intelligence assessments suggest Tehran has engaged in activities positioning it closer to nuclear weapons capability. Iran's Foreign Ministry and the Atomic Energy Organization criticized the IAEA's findings, labeling them “biased and unprofessional,” and accused the agency of yielding to political pressure.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi posted on X, expressing doubt about the possibility of an imminent agreement. He reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to diplomacy but insisted that any deal must end all sanctions and preserve Iran's right to enrichment.

As part of a broader diplomatic effort, Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi delivered the Trump administration’s formal proposal to Tehran on Saturday. The proposal reportedly calls for Iran to halt all uranium enrichment and join a regional consortium with the U.S., Saudi Arabia, and other Arab states to develop nuclear power for peaceful purposes.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office issued a rare Saturday statement, describing the IAEA findings as “grave” and reinforcing Israel’s long-standing position that Iran’s nuclear ambitions are not civilian in nature. “Such a level of enrichment exists only in countries actively pursuing nuclear weapons,” the statement read.

Netanyahu’s office called on the international community to act swiftly, asserting that Iran remains in violation of its obligations under the Non-Proliferation Treaty and continues to obstruct IAEA inspection efforts.

The latest developments have reignited global concern over Iran’s nuclear intentions and increased pressure on Tehran to respond decisively to the new diplomatic overture. With regional stability and non-proliferation at stake, observers are watching closely for signs of movement toward a resolution.