A recent confidential report by the U.N. nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), indicates that Iran has significantly increased its stockpile of uranium enriched to near weapons-grade levels. As of May 17, Iran has amassed 900.8 pounds of uranium enriched to 60%, a nearly 50% increase from the February report’s figure of 605.8 pounds. This level of enrichment is just a technical step away from the 90% needed for weapons-grade uranium. The report expresses serious concern, noting that Iran is now the only non-nuclear-weapon state producing such material, with approximately 92 pounds of 60% enriched uranium theoretically sufficient for one atomic bomb.
The IAEA’s report also detailed that Iran’s total enriched uranium stockpile, including lower levels, has reached 20,387.4 pounds, up by 2,101.4 pounds since February. While Iran claims its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, IAEA chief Rafael Grossi warned that Tehran has accumulated enough near-weapons-grade uranium to potentially create several nuclear bombs if it decides to do so. U.S. intelligence agencies have noted Iran has yet to start a formal weapons program but has undertaken activities that position it to produce a nuclear device.
Israel reacted strongly to the report, asserting it confirms Iran’s commitment to completing its nuclear weapons program and urging the international community to intervene. Furthermore, Grossi reiterated the importance of Iran’s cooperation with the IAEA’s investigation into uranium traces found at undeclared sites within Iran, a situation that continues to heighten tensions between Iran and the West. With the potential expiration of the 2015 nuclear deal approaching, European nations may consider triggering snap-back sanctions against Iran in light of these developments.
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