According to intelligence estimates from three separate countries, Iran actively seeking illicit nuclear weapons technology in Europe and close to first nuclear warhead test

AMSTERDAM / BERLIN / STOCKHOLM — The Netherlands, Germany, and Sweden have published summaries of separate intelligence reports indicating that the Iranian regime has persistently pursued technology for its illegal nuclear program and ballistic missile activities.

In April, the Netherlands General and Intelligence Security Service revealed that it had successfully prevented Russia and Iran from acquiring Dutch knowledge or technology for their nuclear weapons programs. The report also highlighted Iran’s advancements in uranium enrichment, bringing them closer to the possibility of conducting a nuclear test.

These findings emerge as the Biden Administration engages in secretive negotiations with Iran, aiming to secure a modified version of the 2015 nuclear agreement. Reports suggest that the Administration is offering billions of dollars in sanctions relief in exchange for minor restrictions on Iran’s disputed nuclear program. However, Republican members of Congress are cautioning that the Administration may violate the law to secure this deal, which would likely require authorization from the legislative branch. As a result, senior White House and State Department officials could potentially face subpoenas regarding this matter.

Similar conclusions were drawn by Swedish intelligence authorities in a February assessment, stating that Iran has a particular interest in Swedish technology with both civilian and military applications. Iran acquires technology and knowledge through illegal means and also develops its own capabilities through Swedish universities and research institutions.

German authorities have also disrupted Iranian attempts to procure nuclear-related equipment in the past year. One instance involved charging a businessman with violating foreign trade laws for allegedly supplying spectrometer systems and laboratory equipment intended for Iran’s nuclear and missile programs.