VIENNA — A confidential report by the U.N. nuclear watchdog has revealed that Iran has increased its stockpile of uranium enriched to levels close to weapons-grade. At the same time, the agency urged Tehran to adjust its course and comply with an ongoing investigation that has spanned several years.
This development arrives at a critical juncture, as the administration under U.S. President Donald Trump endeavors to forge an agreement with Tehran that restricts its nuclear program. Despite multiple discussion rounds, the two parties have not yet reached a consensus.
According to the International Atomic Energy Agency’s report dated May 17, Iran has accumulated 408.6 kilograms (900.8 pounds) of uranium enriched to 60%. This marks an almost 50% increase, amounting to 133.8 kilograms (294.9 pounds), since the previous report in February. The material enriched to 60% brings Iran a technical step away from the 90% enrichment needed for weapons-grade material. In February, the IAEA reported a stockpile level of 274.8 kilograms (605.8 pounds).
The IAEA noted with grave concern that “Iran is now the only non-nuclear-weapon state to produce such material.” The agency pointed out that theoretically, about 42 kilograms of 60% enriched uranium could be refined to 90%, sufficient for one atomic bomb.
The quarterly report also indicates that as of May 17, Iran’s total stockpile of enriched uranium, which includes uranium enriched to lower percentages, was at 9,247.6 kilograms (20,387.4 pounds), showcasing a rise of 953.2 kilograms (2,101.4 pounds) from February. Despite claiming its nuclear program’s peaceful intent, the IAEA’s chief has cautioned that Iran holds enough enriched uranium for multiple nuclear weapons should it opt to build them.
Iran’s officials have increasingly hinted at the possibility of pursuing nuclear arms. While U.S. intelligence believes Iran has not started a formal weapons program, they note advancements allowing for a possible future production of a nuclear device.
In response to the report, Iran’s Foreign Ministry, accompanied by the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, criticized the IAEA’s findings. They argued that the report was based on unreliable information and poorly represents Tehran’s actions. The statement reaffirmed that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has decreed against possessing nuclear weapons. Still, Iran maintains its right to a peaceful nuclear initiative, including uranium enrichment, under international law.
The U.S. withdrawal from a nuclear agreement in 2018 has fueled Iranian discontent. Meanwhile, Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi, mediating between the U.S. and Iran, visited Tehran to present America’s latest proposal aimed at restricting Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for relief from U.S.-imposed sanctions, which have strained bilateral relations for decades. The recent Rome negotiations between Iran and the U.S. have shown progress but remain unresolved.
Reacting swiftly to the report, Israeli officials expressed concerns over Iran’s intentions and urged international intervention, arguing that Iran’s enrichment activities serve no civilian purpose. The urgency of this development was highlighted by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s unusual statement on Saturday.
The IAEA’s Director General, Rafael Grossi, renewed his call for Iran to cooperate with an extensive investigation into uranium particles found in undeclared sites across the country. A comprehensive 22-page confidential report, requested after a resolution by the IAEA Board of Governors, indicated inadequate cooperation from Iran concerning the probe.
Western nations suspect the uranium traces support evidence of an undisclosed military nuclear project that ended in 2003. There have been suggestions of secret sites involved in this program, publicly named by Netanyahu in 2018. Iran has denied the allegations, whereas the IAEA detected manmade uranium particles at one of these sites in 2019.
The ongoing IAEA inspections have faced challenges, with access to certain sites only granted in 2020, revealing further evidence of undeclared activities. The watchdog’s recent findings concluded that there were three main locations involved in a secretive nuclear program that included undeclared nuclear material until the early 2000s.
These developments could play a significant role in future diplomatic actions by European nations, potentially leading to renewed sanctions against Iran, particularly with the approaching expiration of the 2015 nuclear agreement in October.
Senior Iranian officials, brushing aside rumors of a forthcoming deal with the United States, have stated that any agreement must entail the complete lifting of sanctions while allowing Iran to maintain its nuclear endeavors.
Amid these tensions, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized the administration’s stance against Iran obtaining nuclear capability and hinted at an ongoing proposal for Tehran to agree to.