Iran continues to maintain 460 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60% in underground facilities, according to Israeli defense officials.
By Vered Weiss, World Israel News
Senior Israeli officials believe Iran is deliberately prolonging indirect negotiations with the United States in an effort to buy time, rebuild key military capabilities and improve its position while avoiding tougher sanctions, the Jerusalem Post reported.
The officials said discussions between Washington and Tehran have effectively reached a standstill, with Iranian leaders using the diplomatic process to delay decisions while advancing broader strategic objectives.
According to Israeli security and intelligence officials, Tehran is treating the negotiations as a protective diplomatic framework that allows it to modify nuclear facilities and reduce the effectiveness of potential future military action.
Israeli defense officials said they are closely tracking several developments inside Iran, including the status of the country’s enriched uranium stockpiles, political rivalries within the Iranian leadership and the prospects for future military cooperation between Israel and the United States.
The officials assessed that Iranian leaders believe Washington is unlikely to launch military action before, or during, major events in the United States, including the 2026 World Cup and celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of American independence on July 4.
According to the report, Israeli officials believe Tehran is attempting to use that perception to strengthen its negotiating position.
The assessment comes as tensions reportedly continue inside Iran between officials advocating a longer ceasefire and reconstruction efforts and hard-line figures seeking retaliation against Israel and other countries.
Israeli defense officials said those internal dynamics require continued vigilance by Israel’s intelligence services and ongoing preparedness by the Israel Air Force for possible long-range missions.
Officials also expressed concern regarding Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium. According to the report, Iran continues to maintain 460 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60% in underground facilities.
Israeli officials further assessed that President Donald Trump is primarily focused on Iran’s nuclear program and the Strait of Hormuz, while other issues—including ballistic missile capabilities, reconstruction of Iran’s defense industries and the financing of terrorism throughout the Middle East—are being left to Israel and regional partners.
“This is a very worrying issue,” a senior Israeli official was quoted as saying regarding the future of Iran’s enriched uranium.
The officials said Israel is preparing for the possibility that the diplomatic deadlock could continue and may require renewed military action in the coming days or weeks.
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