Germany, France and UK along with China and Russia are the remaining parties to a 2015 nuclear deal reached with Iran
The Pentagon has pushed back on Donald Trump’s bold claim that U.S. airstrikes ended Iran’s nuclear program. Days after the former president called the operation a total victory, the Department of Defense offered a more cautious assessment. According to Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell, Iran’s facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan were severely damaged, but the nuclear program is only delayed — not destroyed. Intelligence estimates now suggest a setback of up to two years. There is no indication, however, that Iran has abandoned its ambitions. While physical infrastructure may be compromised, intent remains uncertain. This report, Shivani Singh, breaks down what was actually achieved in the strike — and what wasn’t.
This major escalation comes after Trump had himself imposed a two-week deadline on any US attacks against Iran despite Israel's wishes
Western powers have repeatedly expressed concerns about the rapid expansion of Iran's nuclear programme, questioning in particular the country's accelerated uranium enrichment.
Israel's military strikes against Iran's allies intensify Middle East tensions, sparking debates on US involvement and regional stability.
Spokeswoman Nabila Massrali told AFP "there will not be a meeting Thursday", despite Tehran's foreign ministry saying talks would happen that day in the Belgian capital.
'We call on Iran to provide the IAEA with needed access without further delay,' a U.S. statement to a meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency's board said.
The talks with International Atomic Energy Agency chief Grossi were aimed at easing a standoff between Tehran and the West just as it threatens to escalate and scupper negotiations on reviving the Iran nuclear deal.
Under the 2015 deal between Iran and major powers, Tehran agreed to restrictions on its nuclear activities in exchange for the lifting of international sanctions against it.
Tom Price, global commodity analyst, UBS Equities Research tells CNBC-TV18 the outcome of what happens over talks between Iran and developed world powers will give crude oil a sense of direction going forward.