Iran’s nuclear program has reached a dangerous stalemate after the 2015 deal’s expiry, collapsed talks, and lack of oversight – raising regional fears of a renewed clash with Israel, New York Times reported. 

According to the Times, US strikes earlier this year failed to eliminate Iran’s enrichment capacity, and uncertainty remains over the location and scale of Tehran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium. 

Analysts cited in the report warned that the lack of diplomacy or inspection access leaves both sides on alert, with Israel signaling readiness to act again if Iran moves closer to a weapon capability.

The Times said Iran has refused inspectors access to new underground enrichment sites such as “Pickaxe Mountain” near Natanz nuclear site and continues to face renewed United Nations sanctions and severe economic pressure. 

Regional powers are urging restraint and fresh negotiations but acknowledge little progress as Tehran and Washington exchange blame over the failure of talks.

The International Atomic Energy Agency told the Financial Times last week that most of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile appears to have survived the conflict but cannot be verified without access.