Israel Defense Minister: Iran Nuke Enrichment Could Ignite Region

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galand attends a meeting with his Greek counterpart Nikos Panagiotopoulos, in Athens, Thursday, May 4, 2023. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galand attends a meeting with his Greek counterpart Nikos Panagiotopoulos, in Athens, Thursday, May 4, 2023. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)
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Israel Defense Minister: Iran Nuke Enrichment Could Ignite Region

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galand attends a meeting with his Greek counterpart Nikos Panagiotopoulos, in Athens, Thursday, May 4, 2023. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galand attends a meeting with his Greek counterpart Nikos Panagiotopoulos, in Athens, Thursday, May 4, 2023. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)

Israel’s defense minister claimed Thursday that Iran could have enough enriched uranium for five nuclear weapons, and warned Tehran that proceeding to weapons-grade enrichment could “ignite the region.”

His remarks echoed international concerns, which have mounted over the past months, on Tehran enriching uranium closer than ever to weapons-grade levels. Experts have said that Tehran has enough fuel to build “several” atomic bombs if it chooses.

“Make no mistake, Iran will not be satisfied by a single nuclear bomb,” Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said Thursday during a visit to Athens.

Uranium enriched for use in nuclear power plants is normally below 20%, while 90% enrichment is considered to be weapons grade.

“So far, Iran has gained material enriched to 20% and 60% for five nuclear weapons," Gallant said. "Iranian progress, enrichment to 90%, would be a grave mistake on Iran’s part and could ignite the region.”

The International Atomic Energy Agency said in March it would restart inspections and camera-monitoring at some Iranian nuclear facilities after it reported that particles of highly enriched uranium were found at an underground nuclear site.



China Says Iran's Foreign Minister Will Visit on Wednesday

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi attends a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Moscow, Russia, 18 April 2025. EPA/TATYANA MAKEYEVA / POOL
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi attends a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Moscow, Russia, 18 April 2025. EPA/TATYANA MAKEYEVA / POOL
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China Says Iran's Foreign Minister Will Visit on Wednesday

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi attends a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Moscow, Russia, 18 April 2025. EPA/TATYANA MAKEYEVA / POOL
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi attends a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Moscow, Russia, 18 April 2025. EPA/TATYANA MAKEYEVA / POOL

Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi will visit China on April 23 at the invitation of China, the Chinese foreign ministry announced on Tuesday.

The two sides will discuss bilateral relations and international and regional hot-spot issues of common concern, ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun told a regular press conference.

The visit is believed to have great significance for deepening political mutual trust between the two countries, Guo told reporters.

The announcement came after the Iranian foreign ministry said on Monday that its top diplomat will visit China on Tuesday, ahead of a third round of nuclear talks between Tehran and Washington due on Saturday in Oman.

In a trip to Moscow last week, Araghchi told state TV that Tehran always closely consults with its friends, Russia and China, over nuclear issues.