IAEA: Iran Increases Its Stockpile of Enriched Uranium 'Close to Weapons Grade'

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported in a confidential document on Thursday that the Islamic Republic of Iran has increased its stockpile of enriched uranium to a level 'close to weapons grade' in defiance of international demands. According to the IAEA report, as of August 18, 2023, Iran's stockpile of 60% enriched uranium totaled 164.7 kilograms, which is an increase of over 22 kilograms compared to the previous report in April 2023. Experts have stated that converting 60% enriched uranium to weapons-grade uranium at 90% purity requires only 'a short technical step.' The report also noted that Iran has not reconsidered its previous decision to deny IAEA inspectors access to its nuclear program, and the agency's surveillance cameras remain disrupted. Additionally, the IAEA requested access to centrifuge production facilities in Isfahan on August 9 to service its surveillance cameras but has yet to receive a response from Tehran. The report highlighted that Iran has not answered longstanding questions regarding the origin and location of man-made uranium particles found at two previously unreported sites named Varamin and Torqozabad. Rafael Grossi, the IAEA Director General, had previously stated that Iran's enriched uranium reserves, including those enriched to 60%, continue to grow. On June 6, the IAEA Board of Governors urged Iranian officials to take steps to cooperate with the agency more swiftly and to lift the ban on experienced inspectors from entering Iran. A periodic meeting of the United Nations Security Council to review the implementation of Resolution 2231 and the JCPOA was held in July 2023, during which member states, particularly the European Troika, expressed concern over Iran's nuclear activities and warned of the potential activation of the 'snapback mechanism.' The U.S. Deputy Representative to the UN stated that Iran continues to violate the 2015 nuclear agreement and obstruct the IAEA's monitoring efforts, emphasizing that there should be no hesitation in condemning this behavior. Robert Wood pointed out that the IAEA Director General's report indicates that Iran's activities to expand its nuclear program are not justifiable for peaceful purposes, and Iran must take steps to restore international confidence rather than continuing activities that pose significant risks. The UK Permanent Representative to the UN also warned of the possibility of the snapback mechanism being activated by the European Troika against Iran. Barbara Woodward deemed Iran's uranium enrichment levels, which are 30 times above the agreed limit in the JCPOA, unacceptable, stating that all diplomatic options to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons are on the table. Nicolas de Rivière, France's ambassador to the UN, called for the activation of the 'snapback mechanism' in response to Iran's behavior, asserting that the current level of uranium enrichment in Iran lacks civilian and peaceful justification and that Iran has repeatedly violated its JCPOA commitments over the past five years, raising significant concerns due to its inadequate cooperation with the IAEA. The activation of the snapback mechanism, as outlined in UN Security Council Resolution 2231 for the implementation of the 2015 nuclear agreement, would lead to the resumption of all international sanctions against Tehran. According to Resolution 2231, the UN Secretary-General's report on Iran's nuclear activities is to be presented and discussed at regular Security Council meetings every six months.