Iran criticizes Austrian nuclear report

Iran denied on Friday an Austrian Intelligence report claiming that Tehran is pursuing its military nuclear program, while the country is engaged in delicate negotiations with the United States.

On Monday, the Austrian domestic intelligence agency (DSN) published its annual report on global terrorist threats. "The Iranian nuclear weapons development program is well-advanced," the report says concerning Iran, questioning the peaceful nature of the Iranian program.

Western countries, led by the United States, and Israel, Iran's sworn enemy, suspect Iran of wanting to acquire nuclear weapons. Tehran rejects these allegations and defends a right to nuclear energy for civilian purposes, notably for energy.

Iran is the only non-nuclear-armed state enriching uranium at a high level (60%), according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). "All efforts to prevent Iran's armament through sanctions and agreements have so far proven ineffective," the Austrian report adds.

The Iranian Foreign Affairs Ministry denounced "baseless false information" on Friday and demanded explanations from the Austrian government. The Austrian report is published as the IAEA, the U.N. nuclear body headquartered in Vienna, Austria, is set to review Iran's nuclear activities in the coming days. The publication also follows a fifth round of nuclear talks between Iran and the United States, under Omani mediation.

The two countries concluded last Friday in Rome without significant progress but stated they are ready for further discussions, which they describe as constructive. No date for new discussions has been set. On Thursday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said he was "not sure" that an agreement between Tehran and Washington is "imminent." U.S. President Donald Trump claimed on Wednesday that Tehran and Washington were "very close to a solution."