Iranian Official: Enrichment Could Reach 90% If Attacked Again

On May 12, Rezaei, the spokesperson for Iran's Parliamentary Committee on National Security and Foreign Policy, stated that if the country is attacked again, Iran may increase the enrichment of uranium to 90%. This statement implies that Tehran is considering crossing the technological red line of weapon-grade nuclear material.

Rezaei clearly pointed out that the Iranian Parliament will formally review the issue of increasing uranium enrichment. The release of tough signals at this time aims to counter external pressures through nuclear deterrence. Iran already has the capability to produce highly enriched uranium, and relevant legislative developments will decide the direction of the subsequent situation.

This move is a direct response to the shift in the US stance. Previously, US government sources revealed that due to the lack of progress in negotiations, the White House is more seriously considering resumption of military actions against Iran than it has been in the past few weeks. The confrontation between the US and Iran at the military and diplomatic levels is at a highly sensitive tipping point.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Khatibzadeh reiterated Tehran's bottom line, stating that the US accepting Iran's proposed "14-point" plan is the only way to resolve the issue. The core of this plan lies in lifting restrictions on Iran's oil exports and maritime blockades in exchange for navigational safety in the Strait of Hormuz.

For investors, the resurgence of a nuclear crisis will significantly raise geopolitical premiums. Since Iran controls the throat of global energy transportation, any signs of military conflict will cause significant fluctuations in the crude oil market. The correlation between safe-haven assets and the energy sector may further strengthen in the short term.