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The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has reported a significant increase in Iran’s stockpile of uranium enriched to near weapons-grade levels.
What’s the deal: According to the Associated Press, which obtained a copy of an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) report, Iran has increased its stockpile of uranium enriched to 60% purity, reaching 401.9 pounds as of October 26—an increase of 38.8 pounds since August. This level of enrichment is a short technical step from the 90% purity needed for weapons-grade material. The report also estimates Iran’s total enriched uranium stockpile at 14,560 pounds, marking a significant rise of 1,879.6 pounds since the last update.
Additionally, the IAEA highlighted that approximately 92.5 pounds of uranium enriched to 60% could theoretically be sufficient to produce one nuclear weapon if further enriched, raising serious concerns about Tehran’s nuclear intentions. The IAEA also warned that it could not confirm whether any of Iran’s centrifuges had been moved for secret enrichment activities.
Other takeaways: During recent meetings between the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Iranian officials, both sides agreed on preliminary measures to address concerns over Iran’s nuclear activities. Iran committed to halting further growth of its uranium stockpile enriched to 60% U-235 at its underground sites in Fordow and Natanz, with IAEA inspectors verifying the start of preparatory measures to implement this commitment. Additionally, Iran agreed to consider the designation of four new experienced inspectors to replace those previously barred in September 2023, a move that had significantly restricted IAEA oversight.
This all comes as Iran continues to claim that its nuclear program is solely for peaceful purposes. Western nations, including the United States, Israel, and European allies, argue that Iran’s substantial stockpile of highly enriched uranium far exceeds any plausible civilian need, pointing to its proximity to weapons-grade levels as evidence of potential military ambitions. Israel, in particular, has been vocal in warning that Iran’s enrichment activities represent an existential threat.
