Iran has been reported to have expanded its supply of uranium enriched close to levels suitable for nuclear weapons, according to a confidential update from the International Atomic Energy Agency released on Thursday. As of August 17, Iran possessed 164.7 kilograms (363.1 pounds) of uranium enriched up to 60%, showing an increase of 22.6 kilograms (49.8 pounds) since May.
Uranium enriched to 60% purity is considered just one technical step away from reaching weapons-grade levels of 90%. Additionally, Iran has upheld its decision from September 2023, preventing the most skilled nuclear inspectors from overseeing its nuclear activities, and surveillance cameras utilized by the IAEA remain disabled.
Despite years of investigations, Iran has not disclosed the origins or current whereabouts of man-made uranium particles discovered at undisclosed sites known as Varamin and Turquzabad. The report comes shortly after Iran’s supreme leader expressed willingness to engage in discussions with the United States about its nuclear program.
As of August 17, Iran’s total stockpile of enriched uranium was reported to be 5,751.8 kilograms (12,681 pounds). The IAEA had previously been informed that the country’s cooperation with the agency would depend on the new Iranian government following the June elections.
Although the agency offered to re-establish dialogue and collaboration with Iran by sending its chief to Tehran, discussions have not yet taken place despite the new Iranian president confirming his willingness to engage with the IAEA. Moreover, Iran has completed the installation of advanced centrifuge cascades at its Fordo and Natanz plants, exceeding the enrichment levels permitted by the original 2015 nuclear agreement.