A confidential report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reveals that Iran has significantly increased its stockpile of uranium enriched to 60% purity, nearing weapons-grade levels.
As of May 17, Iran possesses 408.6 kilograms of such uranium, a 50% rise since February.
This quantity, if further enriched to 90%, could suffice for multiple nuclear weapons.
The IAEA expresses “serious concern” over this development, noting that Iran is the only non-nuclear-weapon state enriching uranium to such levels without a declared weapons program.
Additionally, the agency criticizes Iran’s “less than satisfactory” cooperation regarding investigations into undeclared nuclear activities at sites like Lavisan-Shian, Varamin, and Turquzabad.
Western powers, including the U.S., U.K., France, and Germany, are preparing to push for a resolution at the upcoming IAEA Board of Governors meeting on June 9, potentially declaring Iran in violation of its nuclear non-proliferation obligations.
Iran maintains that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes and denies seeking nuclear weapons.
However, the IAEA’s findings suggest that Iran had secret nuclear activities involving undeclared materials at multiple sites until the early 2000s.
The international community watches closely as diplomatic efforts continue to address these concerns and prevent further escalation.
