Iran Increased Uranium Enriched Stockpile to Near Weapons-Grade Levels: UN

By Jon Jackson AND Matthew Impelli

Iran has further increased its stockpile of uranium enriched to near weapons-grade levels, according to a report from the United Nations' nuclear watchdog viewed Tuesday by The Associated Press (AP).

The U.N. Report

A report from the International Atomic Energy Agency revealed that as of October 26, Iran's stockpile of uranium enriched up to 60 percent had grown to 182.3 kilograms (401.9 pounds), marking an increase of 17.6 kilograms (38.8 pounds) since the agency's previous update in August.

Uranium enriched to 60 percent purity is nearing weapons-grade levels, requiring only a brief technical process to reach the 90 percent threshold needed for nuclear weapons.

The International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) latest quarterly report also estimates that as of October 26, Iran's total stockpile of enriched uranium has reached 6,604.4 kilograms (14,560 pounds), an increase of 852.6 kilograms (1,879.6 pounds) since August.

According to the agency, approximately 42 kilograms (92.5 pounds) of uranium enriched to 60 percent purity could theoretically be sufficient for a single atomic weapon if further enriched to the 90 percent weapons-grade threshold.

Iran's Nuclear Program

Iran insists its nuclear program is intended solely for peaceful purposes. However, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi has previously cautioned that Tehran possesses enough near-weapons-grade uranium to produce "several" nuclear bombs. Grossi also admitted the U.N. agency cannot confirm that some of Iran's centrifuges haven't been diverted for secret enrichment activities.

The IAEA noted that Iran has yet to take meaningful steps to enhance its cooperation with the agency, despite recent efforts by IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi. Grossi visited Iran last week for discussions with Mohammad Eslami, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and President Masoud Pezeshkian, a key figure in the country's reformist movement.

The IAEA said in the report that during meetings "the possibility of Iran not further expanding its stockpile of uranium enriched up to 60 percent U-235 was discussed, including technical verification measures necessary for the Agency to confirm this, if implemented."

What We Know

The International Atomic Energy Agency reported that on November 16, a day after Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi concluded his visit to Iran, inspectors confirmed that Tehran had initiated preparatory measures to halt the growth of its stockpile of uranium enriched to 60 percent U-235 at its underground facilities in Fordow and Natanz.

In a confidential report released Tuesday, the IAEA disclosed that during Rafael Mariano Grossi's November 14 visit to Iran, Tehran agreed to address concerns over its removal of several veteran IAEA inspectors. As part of the agreement, Iran indicated it would consider approving the appointment of four additional experienced inspectors to assist the agency.

In September 2023, Iran imposed restrictions on some of the International Atomic Energy Agency's most seasoned inspectors, limiting the Vienna-based organization's oversight capabilities.

The reports surface just ahead of the IAEA Board of Governors' regular meeting this week in Vienna. Western nations are reportedly weighing a resolution to formally censure Iran for its lack of progress in cooperating with the agency.

Eslami, issued a warning last week that Tehran could retaliate if confronted during the upcoming IAEA Board of Governors meeting. Grossi confirmed that some member states are considering measures against Iran.

This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.