Iran has threatened to reveal sensitive data regarding Israel’s nuclear program after seizing what it called a “treasure trove” of classified documents, reported Reuters.
On Sunday, the Iranian Intelligence Minister, Esmail Khatib, said that Tehran would soon release sensitive Israeli documents that would bolster Iran‘s strategic position and strengthen its offensive capabilities.
Sensitive Data
Speaking to Iran’s state TV, Khatib said that these documents contain data related to Israel’s nuclear facilities and its defensive capabilities, as well as to its relations with the US, Europe and other countries.
This followed reports by Iran’s state media on Saturday that Iranian intelligence agencies had seized a large trove of sensitive material from Israel.
“The transfer of this treasure trove was time-consuming and required security measures. Naturally, the transfer methods will remain confidential but the documents should be unveiled soon,” Khatib said, adding that “talking of thousands of documents would be an understatement.”
So far, Israel has not acknowledged the operation. According to Reuters, the operation might have links to a reported hacking on an Israeli nuclear facility last year.
Nuclear Talks
The announcement came as Iran and the US are engaging in talks to reach a new agreement on Tehran’s nuclear program. The US President, Donald Trump, has repeatedly threatened of military action if negotiations failed. However, he blocked a planned Israeli attack on Iranian nuclear sites in April, favoring a negotiated deal.
On the other hand, the Iranian Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on Wednesday ruled out abandoning uranium enrichment, saying it was “100%” against Iran’s interests.
Restoring UN Sanctions
Western nations accuse Iran of enriching uranium up to 60% purity – close to the 90% weapons-grade level. Later this week, Western countries will likely submit a proposal to the IAEA’s Board of Governors to declare Iran noncompliant with the UN nuclear watchdog, according to the Associated Press (AP).
This, in turn, could lead to triggering the so-called “snapback” of UN sanctions on Tehran by one of the Western countries involved in the original 2015 nuclear deal.
