U.S. and Israeli intelligence officials told Axios on Wednesday that the Biden administration sent a secret warning to the Islamic Republic last month expressing concerns that the terror-supporting theocracy is increasing its nuclear research efforts.
The report noted that in March, information was obtained by both countries that suggested that Iranian scientists have been expanding work on computer modeling and metallurgy fabrication that was relevant to nuclear weapons development.
U.S. officials asserted that Tehran responded to the communication, sent directly and through unidentified third parties, offering explanations for their recently uncovered experiments. The answers included a denial that the actions were intended to weaponize any fissile materials.
The acknowledgment reportedly eased some anxieties in Jerusalem and Washington, with one American source telling Axios that the regime’s response was sufficient enough for the White House to “not see indications that Iran is currently undertaking the key activities that would be necessary to produce a testable nuclear device.”
The news outlet also reported that intelligence services from the two nations fear that Tehran may be using the runup to the U.S. presidential election as cover to expand their clandestine nuclear projects.
The disclosure comes as representatives from the International Atomic Energy Agency have repeatedly expressed doubts about Tehran’s claims that its nuclear program is only for civilian purposes, citing their enrichment of uranium to levels that far exceed what is needed for electricity generation and other peaceful measures.
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