VIENNA, Austria – Iran has further expanded its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, edging closer to weapons-grade levels, according to the latest report from the United Nations’ International Atomic Energy Agency, IAEA.
The confidential document, obtained by The Associated Press, outlines significant increases in both the quantity and purity of Iran’s enriched uranium reserves.
As of October 26, Iran’s uranium enriched to 60 percent purity has reached 182.3 kilograms (401.9 pounds), up by 17.6 kilograms (38.8 pounds) since the agency’s last update in August.
The total stockpile of enriched uranium has grown by 852.6 kilograms (1,879.6 pounds) to 6,604.4 kilograms (14,560 pounds) during the same period.
Enrichment to 60 percent is considered a short technical step from achieving the 90 percent purity needed for weapons-grade material.
According to IAEA estimates, approximately 42 kilograms (92.5 pounds) of uranium enriched to 60 percent could suffice to produce one nuclear weapon if further enriched.
Concerns Over Iran’s Intentions
Iran has repeatedly insisted its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes.
However, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi has previously warned that Tehran possesses enough uranium at near-weapons-grade levels to construct “several” nuclear bombs.
Grossi has also acknowledged the agency’s inability to confirm that some of Iran’s advanced centrifuges are not being used for covert enrichment activities, raising further concerns among Western nations.
Discussions and Measures
The report follows Grossi’s recent visit to Iran for discussions with Iranian officials, including Mohammad Eslami, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran.
Talks reportedly included measures to halt the expansion of Iran’s 60-percent-enriched uranium stockpile.
On November 16, a day after Grossi’s departure, IAEA inspectors confirmed that Iran had initiated preparatory steps to freeze the growth of this stockpile at its underground enrichment facilities in Fordow and Natanz.
Additionally, during the meetings, Iran agreed to address the removal of several veteran IAEA inspectors in September 2023, a move that had significantly hampered the agency’s oversight.
Tehran indicated it might approve the appointment of four additional experienced inspectors to assist in monitoring its nuclear activities.
Potential Censure and Iran’s Warning
The revelations come as the IAEA Board of Governors convenes in Vienna this week, with Western nations reportedly considering a resolution to censure Iran for its lack of cooperation.
Eslami issued a warning ahead of the meeting, cautioning that Tehran could retaliate if it faced formal censure. Grossi confirmed that some member states are exploring measures to hold Iran accountable.
A Fragile Moment
The report underscores the precarious state of international efforts to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons capabilities.
Grossi has emphasised the critical importance of transparency and cooperation, warning that further restrictions on inspections could undermine global trust in Iran’s nuclear intentions.
The developments will likely dominate discussions at the IAEA Board of Governors meeting, as member states weigh their options in responding to the escalating nuclear concerns.
