Irans Uranium Stockpile Surges to Near Weapons-Grade Levels, Warns IAEA

Iran has significantly increased its stockpile of uranium enriched to near weapons-grade levels, according to a confidential report by the U.N. nuclear watchdog. As of May 17, Iran has amassed 408.6 kilograms of uranium enriched up to 60%, a 50% increase since February. This 60% enriched material is a short step from weapons-grade levels of 90%. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) warned that Iran is now the only non-nuclear-weapon state to produce such material, raising serious concerns. Approximately 42 kilograms of 60% enriched uranium is theoretically enough to produce one atomic bomb if further enriched to 90%. Iran’s overall stockpile of enriched uranium, including lower levels, stands at 9,247.6 kilograms, an increase of 953.2 kilograms since February. Iran maintains its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, but IAEA chief Rafael Mariano Grossi warned that Tehran has enough uranium enriched to near-weapons-grade levels to make several nuclear bombs if it chose to do so. Israel reacted swiftly, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stating that the report reinforces Israel’s long-standing claim that Iran’s nuclear program is not peaceful. Grossi reiterated his urgent call for Iran to cooperate fully with the IAEA’s investigation into uranium traces discovered at several undeclared sites in Iran. The IAEA’s comprehensive report concluded that these sites were part of an undeclared structured nuclear program carried out by Iran until the early 2000s. The report could lead to further steps by European nations, potentially escalating tensions between Iran and the West. Senior Iranian officials dismissed speculation about an imminent nuclear deal with the United States, emphasizing that any agreement must fully lift sanctions and allow the country’s nuclear program to continue.