UN watchdog finds no evidence that Iran planned to build nukes

The United Nation's nuclear watchdog has said it has found no evidence that Iran is running a coordinated programme to build a nuclear weapon, despite repeated accusations from the United States and Israel that Tehran is edging closer to producing a bomb.

The agency reported that while Iran has enriched uranium to high levels, inspectors have not uncovered proof of an active weapons plan.

Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said inspectors have not uncovered any evidence of "a systematic and structured program to manufacture nuclear weapons" in Iran. Speaking to NBC News, he stressed that the agency’s findings do not support the claim that Tehran is actively building a bomb.

However, Rafael Grossi confirmed that Iran has enriched uranium to 60 per cent purity. This level is far beyond what is needed for civilian nuclear energy and is much closer to weapons-grade material.

He said such enrichment is something "only countries with nuclear weapons have". However, he clarified that enrichment alone does not mean a country has built nuclear warheads.