Agency: Iran's 60% Enriched Uranium Increased by '17 Kilograms'

The Associated Press and some other news sources reported that according to a confidential report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) provided to the Agency's Board of Governors, the Iranian government has once again increased its stockpile of uranium enriched to 'near weapons-grade' levels, defying international demands. According to this report, as of October 26 of this year (less than a month ago), the Iranian government possessed 182.3 kilograms of 60% enriched uranium, which is an increase of 17.6 kilograms compared to August (about three to four months ago). Uranium enriched to 60% purity is only a short technical step away from 90% weapons-grade levels. The IAEA also stated in this report that the Iranian government has not taken any specific steps to improve cooperation with this UN agency. The publication of this news comes as, following criticisms from the IAEA regarding the Islamic Republic's lack of cooperation, Western countries, supported by the United States, are seeking to increase pressure on the Iranian government. On Tuesday, November 29, the French news agency reported, citing diplomats, that Britain, France, and Germany, with U.S. support, intend to issue a new resolution against the Iranian government at this week's Board of Governors meeting. Diplomats mentioned that the aim of this pressure is to encourage the Islamic Republic to cooperate in addressing the IAEA's concerns regarding the government's nuclear activities. The IAEA Board of Governors meeting, scheduled to begin on Wednesday, November 30, follows the recent visit of Rafael Grossi, the agency's director, to Iran and his inspection of two nuclear sites of the Islamic Republic. While tensions between the Iranian government and the IAEA have steadily escalated in recent years, the rapid expansion of the Islamic Republic's nuclear program has fueled concerns about Tehran's intentions to produce nuclear weapons. In recent years, the Islamic Republic has reduced cooperation with the IAEA and intensified its nuclear activities, disabling the agency's monitoring equipment over its nuclear program and preventing the agency's inspectors from entering. On September 8, the IAEA reported in a confidential document that the Islamic Republic of Iran has increased its stockpile of enriched uranium to 'near weapons-grade' levels, defying international demands. According to experts, increasing the purity of enriched uranium from 60% to 90% weapons-grade only requires 'a short technical step.' The Guardian recently reported, citing its sources, that Britain and the U.S. have expressed concern over the potential exchange of nuclear technology and knowledge from Russia in exchange for ballistic missiles from the Islamic Republic. The Islamic Republic has always emphasized the peaceful nature of its nuclear program, stating that it does not intend to produce nuclear weapons.