Grossi: Iran Plans to Increase 60% Uranium Production 'Sevenfold'

The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency warned of Iran's intention to increase its monthly production of 60% enriched uranium by 'sevenfold', stating that time is running out to reach an agreement to curb Iran's nuclear program. Rafael Grossi, speaking on Friday, February 15, at the Munich Security Conference, emphasized that Tehran continues to accelerate uranium enrichment close to weapons-grade levels. He mentioned that Iran is increasing its monthly production of 60% enriched uranium to nearly seven times: 'By the time of the next agency report in the coming weeks, Iran will have about 250 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60%.' Reuters notes that this amount of uranium reserves, if enriched to 90%, could be used to produce six nuclear bombs. Grossi called for dialogue between Trump and Iran, stating that this issue is clearly a sign that should be taken 'very seriously' and therefore 'no more time should be wasted.' Earlier in February, he urged the Trump administration and the Islamic Republic to engage in talks to advance nuclear negotiations, stressing that dialogue is 'absolutely necessary' and without it, no progress will be made. His emphasis comes as Ali Khamenei, the leader of the Islamic Republic, recently declared his explicit opposition to negotiations with the U.S., stating that negotiating with the Trump administration is 'not wise, not intelligent, not honorable.' Masoud Pezeshkian, the President of Iran, also supported Khamenei's position, claiming in a speech marking the anniversary of the 1979 revolution that Trump wants to bring the revolution to its 'knees.' Reuters reports that one of the significant challenges is that Trump has yet to appoint a special team or representative to handle the Iran case, causing confusion among his allies, including Britain, France, and Germany, members of the European JCPOA. Grossi also expressed eagerness for the appointment of a U.S. special representative for Iran so that discussions regarding the Islamic Republic's nuclear program can take place and next steps can be clarified. He explained: 'We are in contact, but so far we have not been able to have a political dialogue with anyone responsible for implementing President Trump's policies.' Last week, Trump signed an order to reinstate maximum pressure policies against Iran but stated he was not inclined to sign an order for maximum pressure on Iran and hopes an agreement can be reached to prevent its implementation; an agreement that, according to him, would prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Following Khamenei's explicit opposition to negotiations, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Busent announced on Friday that the goal of the Trump administration's 'maximum pressure' campaign is to reduce Iran's oil exports to 10% of their current level.