The window for a new Iran nuclear deal is fast closing as the Islamic Republic edges ever closer to demonstrating a capability to enrich uranium to weapons-grade levels and relations with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) deteriorate sharply.

With the IAEA on 8 June accusing Iran of “insufficient substantive cooperation” under the 1967 Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT), a renewed deal looks to be receding from view despite western political desire for Iranian oil to return to the market. With every day’s delay reducing the “breakout time” required for Iran to develop nuclear weapons, the globe is racing towards an inflexion point. (CONTINUED - 1172 WORDS)