Trump warns Iran as Hegseth faces Capitol Hill grilling

Key Points:

• The IAEA estimates that much of Iran’s highly enriched uranium, particularly around 200 kilograms enriched to 60% purity, remains stored in tunnels at the Isfahan nuclear complex, though inspectors have been unable to verify its status on-site since inspections ended due to last year’s war.
• IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi emphasized that any lasting agreement on Iran’s nuclear program will require full inspections and measures to remove or dilute the enriched uranium stockpiles, which remain a critical issue in ongoing diplomatic efforts.
• Amid tensions with Iran, President Donald Trump has engaged with U.S. energy executives to discuss leveraging American oil production as Iran’s oil industry faces shutdowns and blockades, with officials characterizing the Strait of Hormuz blockade as an economic weapon to pressure Iran.
• The Pentagon’s top officials, including War Secretary Pete Hegseth and Gen. Dan Caine, are set to testify before Congress amid the 60-day mark of the conflict with Iran, facing scrutiny over military strategy, legal justification, readiness, and the economic impact of the war.
• President Trump expressed frustration with stalled nuclear negotiations with Iran, warning that Tehran must act quickly to sign a nonnuclear deal, highlighting skepticism about Iran’s willingness to finalize diplomatic agreements to curb its nuclear ambitions.