Israel’s sweeping surprise attack on Iran last week marked a major escalation in tensions, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declaring it had “struck at the head of Iran’s nuclear weaponization program.”
While Tehran insists its program is peaceful and the U.S. intelligence community says Iran isn’t currently building a bomb, concerns remain that Iran could weaponize quickly if it chooses.
Here’s a breakdown of Iran’s nuclear capabilities, progress, and the risks ahead.
When did Iran’s nuclear program begin?
Despite claims of peaceful intent, Iran’s uranium enrichment has drawn global scrutiny.
Why is the program controversial?
Where does Iran stand now?
Iran has made major strides toward weapons-grade uranium:
Breakout time: Estimated at just 1–2 weeks to produce enough weapons-grade material for one bomb
Centrifuge advancements, including IR-6 and IR-9 models, have drastically reduced the time needed to produce nuclear fuel.
What exactly is enriched uranium?
Uranium enrichment increases the percentage of uranium-235, the isotope needed for energy—and weapons.
Iran has achieved 60% enrichment—technically not bomb-grade, but dangerously close.
Has Iran violated international agreements?
Yes. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) says Iran has breached its obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and surveillance agreements. For the first time in nearly two decades, the agency passed a formal resolution against Tehran in 2025. Iran has responded by further escalating its activities.
Which facilities are involved?
Iran’s key nuclear sites include:
Iran has invested heavily in hardening its facilities against airstrikes by burying them underground.
What damage has Israel done?
While the full scope of the damage is unclear, experts say total destruction of Iran’s nuclear program would require sustained, complex strikes due to its depth and dispersion.
Bottom line: Iran’s nuclear ambitions remain a flashpoint in global security. With stockpiles of enriched uranium growing and military strikes escalating, the world watches to see if diplomacy—or further conflict—will shape what comes next.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Thursday that Ukraine “will have to understand and accept” the post-war realities, as Moscow signals openness to a third round of peace negotiations with Kyiv.
Israel has confirmed it carried out airstrikes on Iran’s only operational nuclear power plant in Bushehr, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict.
European foreign ministers are set to meet Iran’s top diplomat in Geneva for urgent nuclear talks amid growing fears that the Israel-Iran conflict could spiral into a broader regional war.
Israel is reportedly pressuring the United States to use its most powerful non-nuclear weapon—the GBU-57A/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP)—in a strike against Iran’s heavily fortified Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant, as tensions mount in the Middle East.
More than 2 million Syrian refugees and internally displaced persons have returned to their homes since December, according to the UN refugee agency, which emphasized the urgent need for a political resolution to prevent renewed instability.
Israel’s sweeping surprise attack on Iran last week marked a major escalation in tensions, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declaring it had “struck at the head of Iran’s nuclear weaponization program.”
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Thursday that Ukraine “will have to understand and accept” the post-war realities, as Moscow signals openness to a third round of peace negotiations with Kyiv.
Israel has confirmed it carried out airstrikes on Iran’s only operational nuclear power plant in Bushehr, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict.
European foreign ministers are set to meet Iran’s top diplomat in Geneva for urgent nuclear talks amid growing fears that the Israel-Iran conflict could spiral into a broader regional war.
Israel is reportedly pressuring the United States to use its most powerful non-nuclear weapon—the GBU-57A/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP)—in a strike against Iran’s heavily fortified Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant, as tensions mount in the Middle East.
Peace is no longer a dream. It is a discussion. On the streets of Baku and Yerevan, it is also a question, of trust, of foreign interests, and of who truly wants it.
Israeli strikes have reportedly targeted areas near the residences of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian, according to the New York Times, citing local witnesses.
Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) has cancelled certain flights scheduled for 13th and 14th June amid recent escalation of situation in the Middle East and the closure of airspace in several countries for security reasons.
The 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit was held June 15–17 in Kananaskis, Alberta, under Canada’s presidency. Prime Minister Mark Carney framed the meeting around priorities of protecting communities, energy and climate security, the digital transition, and future partnerships.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 17th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Israel is reportedly pressuring the United States to use its most powerful non-nuclear weapon—the GBU-57A/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP)—in a strike against Iran’s heavily fortified Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant, as tensions mount in the Middle East.
Uzbekistan’s economic performance has remained strong, with robust growth, narrowing consolidated fiscal and current account deficits, and ample international reserves, stated the International Monetary Fund following to the 2025 Article IV Consultation with the Republic of Uzbekistan.
Israel’s main hospital in the south sustained a direct missile strike on Thursday amid escalating hostilities with Iran, causing extensive damage and prompting urgent warnings from health officials.
The critical importance of the strong cooperation between Türkiye and Azerbaijan at both regional and global levels has been highlighted and appreciated in Ankara.
Security measures along Türkiye' border with Iran have strengthened. Türkiye’s Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler said it's due to recent developments at between Iran and Israel.
Israel’s sweeping surprise attack on Iran last week marked a major escalation in tensions, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declaring it had “struck at the head of Iran’s nuclear weaponization program.”
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Thursday that Ukraine “will have to understand and accept” the post-war realities, as Moscow signals openness to a third round of peace negotiations with Kyiv.
Israel has confirmed it carried out airstrikes on Iran’s only operational nuclear power plant in Bushehr, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict.
European foreign ministers are set to meet Iran’s top diplomat in Geneva for urgent nuclear talks amid growing fears that the Israel-Iran conflict could spiral into a broader regional war.
Israel is reportedly pressuring the United States to use its most powerful non-nuclear weapon—the GBU-57A/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP)—in a strike against Iran’s heavily fortified Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant, as tensions mount in the Middle East.
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