Grossi: Iran's 60% Enriched Uranium Has Reached 275 Kilograms

Rafael Grossi, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), announced to the Agency's Board of Governors on Monday, March 4, that Iran has increased its stockpile of uranium enriched to 60% purity to 275 kilograms. According to information provided by Grossi, 'Iran has increased its stockpile of 60% enriched uranium from 182 kilograms to 275 kilograms over the past three months.' The IAEA Director General described Iran as the only non-nuclear state that has enriched uranium to this degree, calling it a cause for 'serious concern.' According to the Jerusalem Post, the Agency believes that the amount of 60% enriched uranium Iran possesses is sufficient for a rapid conversion to 90% weapons-grade purity and the construction of six nuclear weapons. This is in addition to Iran's stockpile of 20% enriched uranium and lower purity levels. Based on assessments from Israel and some U.S. estimates compared to the Agency's evaluations, the Iranian government is potentially capable of producing more nuclear weapons, especially in the form of smaller nuclear bombs. The increase in enriched uranium production by Iran came after the IAEA Board of Governors condemned Iran's violations of nuclear regulations about four months ago. Grossi stated that Iran has ceased its compliance with commitments under the nuclear agreement for the past four years. Meanwhile, despite the intensification of U.S. sanctions against Iran, Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic, has shown no signs of willingness to negotiate with the Trump administration over nuclear issues. On Tuesday, February 5, Donald Trump signed an executive order to resume the 'maximum pressure' campaign against Iran. According to this order, maximum pressure on Iran will be resumed, pathways to nuclear weapons will be blocked, and Iran's destructive influence in the region will be countered. The order also states that Trump will not tolerate Iran's possession of nuclear weapon capabilities and their ongoing support for terrorism, especially against U.S. interests. Waltz: The U.S. is tightening the economic grip on the Iranian economy. Rubio: The Iranian government cannot acquire nuclear weapons to hold the world hostage. U.S. State Department: The Islamic Republic is not allowed to acquire nuclear weapons. The White House: Trump is committed to preventing the Islamic Republic from acquiring nuclear weapons.