Jerusalem – Iran expressed strong discontent towards Austria’s government on Friday following an article by Fox News Digital about a document claiming that Iran has progressed significantly in its nuclear weapons program, capable of launching long-range missiles.
This revealing report, originating from Austria’s equivalent of the FBI, known as the Directorate State Protection and Intelligence Service, offers detailed insight into Iran’s illicit nuclear weapons activities and its spying operations within Austria.
“The Islamic Republic leads in deceit and obstruction. Today’s incriminating IAEA reports underline Iran’s breaches of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty for several years, including during the active period of the JCPOA [Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action]. This demonstrates that the regime is unreliable for any diplomatic agreements,” stated Jason Brodsky, policy director at United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI).
The JCPOA is the formal name for the Iran nuclear deal that was concluded between the Obama administration and Iran. President Trump withdrew from the JCPOA in 2018 because, his administration said at the time, the deal did not prevent Iran from building nuclear weapons.
“I think Iran’s regime’s response to Austria’s findings shows its sensitivity over these matters,” Brodsky said. “It also wants to bully Austria. Austria should force the Iranian regime to decrease the size of its embassy in Vienna which it has long used as a hub for malign intelligence collection and operations throughout Europe.”
The clerical regime’s foreign minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, posted on his X account a statement in response to the Fox News Digital report.
“Media is speculating about an imminent Iran-U.S. deal. Not sure if we are there yet,” he wrote. “Iran is sincere about a diplomatic solution that will serve the interests of all sides.
“But getting there requires an agreement that will fully terminate all sanctions and uphold Iran’s nuclear rights—including enrichment. Path to a deal goes through the negotiating table and not the media.”
The U.S. talks to dismantle Iran’s illicit atomic weapons program coincides with a nationwide truckers’ strike in Iran. The widespread labor unrest could severely weaken the regime, according to Iran experts.
The exiled crown prince of Iran, Reza Pahlavi, who lives in the U.S, called on U.S. labor unions to stand with Iranian truckers.
“Truck drivers and workers across Iran are on strike and are putting their lives on the line to fight for their rights and for a better future for their families,” Pahlavi, who lives in the U.S, wrote on X. “Now, they are being jailed and threatened for posting photos and videos of their strike. Only in a free Iran will all workers have the right to freely and openly organize. I invite you, labor unions and leaders, to stand with your fellow workers in Iran and show your solidarity.”
