Agency Warning: Iran Accelerates Uranium Enrichment to Alarming Levels

A recent report from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) indicates that Iran's stockpile of uranium enriched to near weapons-grade purity has significantly increased, with no progress made in resolving outstanding issues. The agency states that since Donald Trump's victory in the U.S. elections, Iran has accelerated its uranium enrichment close to levels suitable for nuclear bomb production. According to a confidential report obtained by the Associated Press on Wednesday, February 27, Iran's stockpile of 60% enriched uranium has reached nearly 275 kilograms as of February 8, which is 92.5 kilograms more than in November 2024. The report states that approximately 42 kilograms of 60% enriched uranium, if enriched to 90%, would theoretically be sufficient to produce one nuclear bomb. Thus, Iran's high-concentration uranium stockpile could provide enough raw materials for the production of more than six nuclear bombs by February 20 if this trend continues. Iran has added 50% to its 60% enriched uranium stockpile in just the last three months. The new quarterly report prepared for the Board of Governors adds that 'the significant increase in the production and accumulation of high-enriched uranium by Iran, the only non-nuclear state producing such nuclear materials, is a serious concern.' The 50% jump in Iran's high-enriched uranium stockpile over the past three months comes as growth was only 11% in the previous quarter. Rafael Grossi, the IAEA Director General, warned on February 15 that Iran intends to increase its uranium enrichment speed 'sevenfold' and that time is running out to reach an agreement to curb Iran's nuclear program. He also described the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) as 'ineffective' and likened it to 'an empty shell,' prompting reactions from Iranian officials who labeled his remarks as 'biased and unprofessional.' Besides the 60% level, Iran also enriches uranium at 3.5% and 20%. The IAEA report states that Iran's total uranium reserves at all levels have reached nearly 8,295 kilograms, a 25% increase compared to three months ago. Tehran officials have yet to provide an explanation for the use of uranium enrichment up to 60%, very close to the level needed for nuclear bomb production, claiming only that the Islamic Republic has deviated from its nuclear commitments due to the U.S. withdrawal from the JCPOA. Meanwhile, the IAEA has been unable for several years to convince the Islamic Republic to provide a reasonable explanation regarding the traces of uranium found at its undeclared sites. Iranian officials have consistently stated that they are not seeking to build nuclear weapons; however, they have recently spoken about the 'possibility of changing nuclear doctrine.' In response to U.S. sanctions, the Islamic Republic has also limited the IAEA's access to information from surveillance cameras at nuclear facilities and the entry of some of its experts into the country for several years. The IAEA report also notes that Iran has not revised its September 2023 decision to ban the entry of some of the agency's most experienced inspectors into the country.