ALWAGHT- Abbas Araqchi, Iran’s Foreign Minister, criticized the West for ignoring Israel’s expanding nuclear arsenal, saying Washington and European states can no longer credibly claim to defend nuclear non-proliferation.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi criticized Western powers for ignoring Israel’s nuclear weapons program while targeting Iran’s peaceful nuclear activities. He argued that Western concern over proliferation is not about nuclear arsenals themselves, but about preventing scientific progress in countries like Iran. Araghchi said the US and Europe’s silence on Israel’s stockpile undermines any credibility they have on non-proliferation.
His remarks followed an Associated Press report revealing intensified construction at Israel’s Dimona nuclear facility, long linked to the regime’s undeclared arsenal. Satellite images analyzed by experts suggest the project could involve a new heavy water reactor or even a weapons assembly plant, raising questions about Israel’s nuclear intentions. Analysts noted the aging 1960s-era reactor at Dimona may be replaced to maintain plutonium production.
The AP report also highlighted the contrast between Israel’s unchecked nuclear activities and Iran’s fully monitored peaceful program under the IAEA. While Israel, estimated to hold around 90 nuclear warheads, remains outside the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and refuses inspections, Iran’s facilities are subject to international oversight. Neither Israel nor the White House commented on the revelations, and the IAEA confirmed it has no mandate to inspect Israeli sites.
