Iran Escalates Uranium Enrichment Ahead of Nuclear Deal Talks

Iran announced it had begun 60% uranium enrichment on Tuesday, much closer to the 90% required for nuclear weapons production than the 20% level reached in 2019 and the 3.67% limit required by the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. The move is the latest escalation between Iran and Israel after multiple alleged attacks complicated upcoming talks with the Biden administration to salvage the 2015 nuclear deal. On Sunday, Iran’s Natanz uranium enrichment site was allegedly sabotaged by an explosive device smuggled into the facility; while Israel did not claim responsibility, Israeli public radio reported that Mossad, Israel’s security force, played a “central role.” Iran vowed revenge for the alleged attack, reportedly firing a missile at an Israeli-owned ship on Tuesday. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin met with Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz on Sunday as part of an official visit, prompting speculation on whether the U.S. had advance notice of the alleged Israeli attack. Outlets from across the spectrum covered various developments in this story; coverage in right rated outlets was less likely to mention the uranium enrichment limit from the 2015 nuclear deal.