Iran to activate new nuclear enrichment site as tensions with US rise

US President Donald Trump had previously warned that Israel or America could launch airstrikes against Iranian nuclear facilities

Updated on: Jun 13, 2025, 05:00:46 IST

By HT News Desk

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Iran announced on Friday that it has built and will activate a third nuclear enrichment facility amid tensions with the United States regarding a stalled nuclear deal between the countries, reported Associated Press.

Iran is set to activate its third nuclear enrichment facility amid opposition from the US and UN watchdogs (AP)

US President Donald Trump had previously warned that Israel or America could launch airstrikes against Iranian nuclear facilities if negotiators failed to reach a deal on Iran's rapidly advancing nuclear programme.

A sixth round of Iran-US talks is scheduled to begin Sunday in Oman. Earlier, US defence secretary Pete Hegseth allegedly claimed that he had proof of Iran using their nuclear programme to build weapons.

Also Read: Iran issues cryptic 'we are ready' warning as tensions with US rise

Iran's nuclear programme has been a matter of concern for several Western countries due to the massive level at which nuclear enrichment is conducted, much above the level required for civilian purposes.

Trump said Thursday he is still urging Iran to negotiate a deal, but that he is concerned a “massive conflict” could occur in the Middle East if it does not.

“I don't want to say imminent, but it looks like it's something that could very well happen. Look, it's very simple, not complicated. Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon,” he said, as reported by AP.

Also Read: ‘…dangerous place’: Donald Trump as US to pull some personnel from Middle East amid tensions with Iran

“As long as I think there is a (chance for an) agreement, I don't want them going in because I think it would blow it," he added.

The International Atomic Energy Agency on Thursday, censured Iran, an action it has taken for the first time in 20 years, over its non-compliance wih rules on advancing nuclear enrichment.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran has no choice but to respond to this political resolution,” the Iranian Foreign Ministry and Atomic Energy Organisation said in a joint statement in response to the IAEA.

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HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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