Iran Nuclear Program Accelerates as Tehran Declares “Full-Fledged War” on West

President Masoud Pezeshkian has declared Iran is in a “full-fledged war” with the United States, Israel, and Europe. The stark declaration on December 27 marks a dangerous new phase in a long-running standoff. It comes as Iran rapidly rebuilds its nuclear capabilities following major military strikes and has abandoned all international constraints.

Uranium Stockpiles Reach Critical Threshold

Iran now possesses a significant quantity of highly enriched uranium. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reports confirm Iran had 441 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60% purity as of June 2025. This level is alarmingly close to the 90% needed for a functional nuclear weapon.

The country’s stockpile has grown despite coordinated military action. Israel and the U.S. conducted devastating strikes on Iranian nuclear sites for 12 days in June 2025. According to Reuters, the attacks caused heavy damage but failed to eliminate the program. Satellite imagery shows reconstruction is already underway at key facilities like Natanz.

This rapid rebuilding signals Tehran’s unwavering commitment. With the 2015 nuclear deal officially dead, no international limits remain on enrichment levels or stockpile size. The program is advancing faster than at any point in the past decade.

The End of Diplomacy and Rise of Military Posture

Diplomatic channels have effectively collapsed. Iran formally terminated the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in October 2025. This ended the last framework for international monitoring and verification. Rafael Grossi, the IAEA chief, has repeatedly warned about shrinking oversight.

President Pezeshkian’s rhetoric frames the conflict in existential terms. He stated Western powers “do not want our country to stand on its feet.” This narrative justifies both nuclear advancement and a hardened military stance. It leaves little room for de-escalation through talks.

The geopolitical landscape offers Iran some protection. Russia and China vetoed U.S.-backed sanctions at the UN Security Council in late 2025. This diplomatic shield allows Tehran to proceed with fewer immediate economic consequences. The path to renewed pressure is now blocked.

Info at your fingertips

What does 60% uranium enrichment mean?

Uranium enriched to 60% purity is considered highly enriched. Weapons-grade uranium requires 90% purity. The jump from 60% to 90% is technically significantly faster than starting from lower enrichment levels, shortening the potential timeline to a bomb.

Did the 2025 military strikes destroy Iran’s nuclear program?

No. Assessments from agencies like the IAEA confirm the strikes caused significant damage to infrastructure. However, they did not destroy Iran’s stockpiles, knowledge, or overall capability. Reconstruction efforts began almost immediately after the attacks ended.

Why did Iran quit the 2015 nuclear deal?

Iran officially left the JCPOA in October 2025, citing continued severe Western sanctions and the major military attacks months earlier. The government declared the deal’s benefits had evaporated, leaving it with restrictions but no economic relief.

Can Iran build a nuclear weapon now?

Western intelligence agencies believe Iran has not yet made the final decision to weaponize. However, it has all the necessary components: a large stockpile of highly enriched uranium, advanced centrifuge technology, and ballistic missile delivery systems. The final step could be taken quickly if ordered.

How have other countries reacted?

Reactions are deeply divided. The U.S. and European powers warn of severe consequences and are exploring new containment strategies. Regional rivals like Israel view the progression as an extreme threat. Russia and China, however, continue to advocate for diplomacy and have shielded Iran from new UN sanctions.

The acceleration of Iran’s nuclear program now presents a clear and present danger to global non-proliferation efforts. With diplomacy abandoned and military options proving limited, the world faces a volatile new reality centered on Iran’s nuclear ambitions.