Iran is preparing to develop a nuclear weapon within months, according to US intelligence.
A top group of Iranian scientists has been charged with pursuing a faster route to producing a cruder atomic bomb, though Iran continues to deny seeking nuclear weapons.
The intelligence was gathered during the final days of Joe Biden's administration and shared with incoming president Donald Trump's national security team, the New York Times reports.
It was reportedly shared during the transition period between administrations, though Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has not formally decided to develop a weapon.
The revelations come as Trump prepares to host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, one of Iran's strongest critics whose nation has worked to disrupt Tehran's nuclear ambitions.
In 2018, Trump withdrew the US from the multiparty nuclear deal that had eased sanctions on Tehran in exchange for increased uranium enrichment inspections.
The intelligence reports emerge at a time when Iran's military position is considered to be at its weakest point in decades.
This vulnerability stems from the significant weakening of Iran's proxy forces, including Hamas and Hezbollah, following Israel's military operations in response to the October 7 attacks.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Analysts suggest Iran might be seeking nuclear capability as a new means of defence amid these setbacks to its traditional military allies.
Trump has expressed a desire to avoid conflict with Iran amid the nuclear developments.
When questioned about supporting potential Israeli strikes on enrichment facilities after his inauguration, Trump said: "Hopefully that can be worked out without having to worry about it.
"It would really be nice if that could be worked out without having to go that further step."
Recent intelligence has revealed Iran is developing nuclear missiles with a 3,000-kilometre range, based on designs provided by North Korea.
The National Council of Resistance of Iran, an opposition group in exile, has disclosed information about the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' expanding weapons programmes.
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A top group of Iranian scientists has been charged with pursuing a faster route to producing a cruder atomic bomb, though Iran continues to deny seeking nuclear weapons.
The intelligence was gathered during the final days of Joe Biden's administration and shared with incoming president Donald Trump's national security team, the New York Times reports.
It was reportedly shared during the transition period between administrations, though Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has not formally decided to develop a weapon.
The revelations come as Trump prepares to host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, one of Iran's strongest critics whose nation has worked to disrupt Tehran's nuclear ambitions.
In 2018, Trump withdrew the US from the multiparty nuclear deal that had eased sanctions on Tehran in exchange for increased uranium enrichment inspections.
The intelligence reports emerge at a time when Iran's military position is considered to be at its weakest point in decades.
This vulnerability stems from the significant weakening of Iran's proxy forces, including Hamas and Hezbollah, following Israel's military operations in response to the October 7 attacks.
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Analysts suggest Iran might be seeking nuclear capability as a new means of defence amid these setbacks to its traditional military allies.
Trump has expressed a desire to avoid conflict with Iran amid the nuclear developments.
When questioned about supporting potential Israeli strikes on enrichment facilities after his inauguration, Trump said: "Hopefully that can be worked out without having to worry about it.
"It would really be nice if that could be worked out without having to go that further step."
Recent intelligence has revealed Iran is developing nuclear missiles with a 3,000-kilometre range, based on designs provided by North Korea.
The National Council of Resistance of Iran, an opposition group in exile, has disclosed information about the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' expanding weapons programmes.
Find Out More...