TEHRAN – Iran has formally requested that Austria explain a “irresponsible and provocative” intelligence report claiming Tehran maintains a “active nuclear weapons program” amid growing doubt about Tehran’s coordinated efforts with Tel Aviv to disrupt Tele Washington diplomats.
The controversy sparked after the Austrian State Department of Protection (DSPIS) (DSPIS) leaked an assessment classified in Western media, directly contradicting US intelligence findings and timing it to disrupt negotiations via sensitive Oman.
A Fox News article published Wednesday claimed that Tehran is “continuing its active nuclear weapons program,” adding that it can be used to launch missiles over long ranges.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Bakaei did not write words into his accusation on Friday.
Baqaei highlighted Iran’s compliance with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and “the most stringent inspections,” warning the report that it “undermines the IAEA’s authority.”
In a scathing comparison, he stated: “Unlike Austria and other European countries, we remain hypocritical about the Zionist regime’s weapons of mass destruction, and through our unwavering support for this genocide, we will hamper our efforts to establish the Middle East (West Asia), defending the liberation of West Asia from weapons of mass destruction (WMD) – such weapons.”
Baqaei concluded by warning that such “media manufacturing” is at risk of permanent damage to Iran-European relations and demanding Vienna’s “official explanation” for the agency’s “destroying actions.”
Due to rising diplomatic pressure, Iran summoned Austrian Charge Dai Affairs to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday, officially protesting the “misleading” intelligence report.
Acting in the absence of the ambassador, Michaela Pache met Alileza Morakadimi, the First Director of Western Europe, who conveyed Tehran’s “strong protest” and demanded an official explanation from Vienna.
Mollaqadimi rejected Austrian claims as “basic” and highlighted the complete contradiction with numerous IAEA reports and the Iranian nuclear programme fully complies with its legal international obligations under the NPT.
He described the actions of the Austrian intelligence agency as “irresponsible and provocative” to question the peaceful nature of Iran’s programmes without evidence.
Pacher has pledged to relay Iran’s concerns and request an official explanation from her government.
The timing of your Fox News reporting is especially important. Since mid-April, five rounds of indirect US-Iran nuclear talks have occurred in Oman, with the sixth hold being held. Progress depends on lifting Washington’s sanctions and respecting Iran’s nuclear rights, including enrichment.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araguchi posted the DSPIS report on X, which appears to be linked to Israeli interference.
Araguchi’s reference to “American critics” told the Senate Intelligence Election Committee in March 2025 that someone like the Director of the National Intelligence Election Agency, who told the Senate Intelligence Election Committee that “Iran does not evaluate nuclear weapons” and Ayatollah Seiyed Ali Khamenei did not recognize the program.”
The Austrian leak issued by Fox News explicitly contradicts this, saying, “Iran’s nuclear weapons development program is very advanced… (and) we have a growing arsenal of ballistic missiles that can supply nuclear warheads.”
Austria and Israeli Nexus
Vienna’s actions appear to reflect a strengthening relationship with the Israeli regime, undermining claims of neutrality. As one of Europe’s most pro-Israel voices, Austrian attitude is particularly consequential given its role as a host to the IAEA and multiple UN agencies.
After the Israeli regime launched a genocide war with Gaza, War Minister Joab Gallant called the Palestinians in Gaza “human animals,” ordered a full siege on the strip, and Austria halted all Palestinian aid and voted against two ceasefire resolutions.
Alexander Shallenberg, former Austrian foreign minister, declared last year.
In 2022, then Israeli Prime Minister Oia Rapid and Austrian Prime Minister Karl Nehammer signed a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership” that expanded Iran’s nuclear program and cooperation with the Intelligence Election. During its signature, Rapid emphasized the need for “an international recognition of the Iranian agreement.”
Intelligence collaborations are hidden in secret, but seem to be far-reaching.
In 2015, Austrian intelligence agency BVT (predecessor of DSPIS) worked with the Mossad to relocate Syrian exile Khaledharabi to Austria, effectively bypassing French investigations into alleged war.
During this episode, Mossad reportedly paid 5,000 euros per month for his asylum, but Austrian officials manipulated the residence procedures to facilitate the movement.
This secret operation has lasting consequences, with five staff members facing a trial for abuse of authority in 2025. Their defense refers to the Mossad’s “strictly confidential” directive.
Additionally, Mossad reportedly utilizes a network of around 4,000 people in Austria’s Sayanim, a Sivilian facilitator who plays an important role in logistics, from conducting surveillance to placing rentals.