Iran further increases stockpiles of enriched uranium to near weapons-grade levels

Iran has further increased its stockpiles of enriched uranium to near weapons-grade levels, a confidential report from the United Nations nuclear watchdog said Monday.

According to the report, Iran's overall stockpile of enriched uranium stands at 6,201.3 kg (13,671.5 pounds), representing an increase of 675.8 kg (1,489.8 pounds) since the latest report from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

“New public statements made in Iran during the reporting period regarding its technical capabilities to produce nuclear weapons and possible changes in Iranian nuclear doctrine only increase concerns about the accuracy and completeness Iran's safeguards declarations,” IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said in the report.

In its current report, the IAEA also said Tehran had not reconsidered the agency's September 2023 decision to ban the most experienced nuclear inspectors from monitoring its nuclear program, but added that it expected Iran “to do so in the context of ongoing consultations between the Agency.” and Iran.

In the report, the IAEA said Iran suggested in a letter dated May 21 that discussions related to cooperation between the IAEA and Iran “continue in Tehran” at an appropriate date to be mutually agreed upon. » ».

Iran has maintained its nuclear program is peaceful, but Grossi has previously warned that Tehran has enough uranium enriched to near-weapon levels to make “several” nuclear bombs if it chooses to do so . He acknowledged that the agency cannot guarantee that none of Iran's centrifuges were removed for clandestine enrichment.

Iran and the U.N. nuclear watchdog are still negotiating how to implement a deal reached last year to expand inspections of the Islamic Republic's rapidly advancing atomic program.

IAEA acknowledgment shows challenges facing its inspectors, years after Tehran's failed nuclear deal with world powers and broader tensions gripping the Middle East over war continues between Israel and Gaza.

Recent missile strikes between Israel and Iran have added urgency to years of research by the IAEA to uncover the scope of Tehran's nuclear ambitions. While the IAEA conducts daily inspections of declared nuclear facilities, suspicions persist over whether Iranian engineers may be hiding work used for military purposes. Tehran has blocked the agency's investigation into uranium detected in undeclared locations.

While Iran insists it is not seeking to produce nuclear weapons, international distrust led to a negotiated compromise in 2015 that limited the country's nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief. Recent statements by current and former Iranian officials that the country could review its nuclear doctrine – and potentially build a weapon – prompted Grossi to renew his diplomatic attempts during his visit earlier this month.

The United States gave Iran an ultimatum at the last IAEA meeting: cooperate or face censure, which could lead to a referral to the UN Security Council and the renewal of sanctions against the Islamic Republic. Some European countries already wanted to increase the pressure in March. The IAEA Governing Council meets again on June 3 in Vienna, Austria.

Additional reporting from Bloomberg