Agency: Iran's enriched uranium stockpile nearing weapons-grade levels is on the rise

Iran's enriched uranium reserves have continued to increase to a purity level of 60%, which is close to the level required for nuclear weapons production, and there has been no progress in negotiations with the Islamic Republic regarding sensitive issues such as the origin of uranium particles found at undeclared sites. This information is contained in two reports from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the nuclear arm of the United Nations, which Reuters saw on Monday. According to one of the confidential quarterly reports to member states, the agency stated that Iran's enriched uranium reserves at 60% purity are still increasing despite some of it being diluted, although the rate of growth has slowed. Enriched uranium at 60% purity is close to the 90% purity required for nuclear weapons, and technically, reaching that stage from 60% is not difficult. One report noted the Islamic Republic's inability to accurately explain the origin of uranium particles discovered at two undeclared sites in Iran and stated that Rafael Grossi, the head of the IAEA, is disappointed that no progress has been made in resolving this issue. These reports were sent ahead of the quarterly meeting of the Board of Governors for member states. The 35 members of the Board of Governors will gather next week for a meeting that occurs every three months. One report from the agency noted that after limited progress in reinstalling IAEA monitoring cameras in the previous quarter, no additional cameras have been installed. This could lead to increased tensions between the Islamic Republic and Western powers. Iran and the IAEA announced an agreement in March to reinstall monitoring cameras, but only a portion of those cameras and other monitoring equipment requested by the IAEA have been installed. One report stated that Iran's enriched uranium reserves at 60% purity have increased by about 7.5 kg to 121.6 kg, although 6.4 kg of that has been diluted with lower-enriched uranium. A senior diplomat told Reuters that monthly production of uranium enriched to 60% in Iran has decreased from about 9 kg per month to about 3 kg per month. Other diplomats have said that this slowdown in production could be part of so-called 'de-escalation' efforts between Tehran and Washington. A Western diplomat also stated that Iran 'of course claims' that the slowdown in enriching uranium to 60% is positive, but it should be noted that its stockpile of highly enriched uranium has still increased. The increase in enriched uranium reserves close to weapons-grade levels in Iran means that if the Islamic Republic decides to build a nuclear weapon, it could produce more nuclear bombs. The Islamic Republic claims it is not seeking to produce nuclear weapons and that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes. Exclusive; White House: Prioritizing the return of imprisoned Americans, not nuclear negotiations with the Islamic Republic. The Islamic Republic accused Israel of attempting to 'sabotage' its missile program. Nuclear energy from 'an inherent right' to 'the regime's prestige'; Eslami: Nuclear energy is our prestige. Grossi: The Islamic Republic has not answered the agency's questions; 'JCPOA' is an empty shell.