Iran has warned it could enrich uranium up to 90 per cent purity if attacked again, raising fresh concerns over nuclear escalation
May 12, 2026: Iran has indicated that it may enrich uranium to 90 per cent purity — a level considered weapons-grade — if the country faces another military attack. Iranian parliamentary spokesperson Ebrahim Rezaei said the option is being discussed within parliament and could be pursued in response to renewed aggression. His remarks have intensified global concerns over Iran’s nuclear ambitions and the future of diplomatic negotiations with the United States.
The warning comes despite US President Donald Trump’s claim that Iran’s nuclear infrastructure had been “obliterated” during joint US-Israeli strikes carried out in last year’s conflict. However, questions continue to surround Iran’s stockpile of nearly 400 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 per cent purity, which experts say is only a short technical step away from weapons-grade material.
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts remain under pressure as Trump recently described the ceasefire between Washington and Tehran as being “on life support”. The United States is reportedly demanding that Iran transfer its highly enriched uranium stockpile abroad and halt domestic enrichment activities, while Tehran wants broader nuclear discussions postponed. The ongoing deadlock has raised fears of renewed tensions and another possible regional escalation.