Iran has reportedly escalated its stockpile of uranium enriched to nearly weapons-grade levels, defying international demands. According to a confidential report by the United Nations' nuclear watchdog, as of Oct. 26, Iran possessed 182.3 kilograms (401.9 pounds) of uranium enriched up to 60%, marking an increase of 17.6 kilograms (38.8 pounds) since the last report in August. Uranium enriched at 60% purity is just a technical step away from weapons-grade levels of 90%.
The International Atomic Energy Agency estimated Iran's overall enriched uranium stockpile at 6,604.4 kilograms (14,560 pounds) as of Oct. 26, reflecting an increase of 852.6 kilograms (1,879.6 pounds) since August. The agency noted that around 42 kilograms (92.5 pounds) of uranium enriched to 60% purity could theoretically be used to create one atomic weapon if further enriched to 90%.
Iran has maintained that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, but the IAEA has expressed concerns about the potential for weaponization. The agency's chief has warned that Iran possesses enough uranium enriched to near-weapons-grade levels to produce multiple nuclear bombs if it chooses to do so.
Despite calls for improved cooperation, Iran has not taken concrete steps to address these concerns. However, following discussions with IAEA officials, Iran initiated measures to halt the expansion of its stockpile of uranium enriched up to 60% U-235 at its nuclear sites in Fordow and Natanz.
During recent talks, Iran agreed to consider accepting the designation of additional experienced inspectors to address the withdrawal of some inspectors in September 2023. However, there has been no progress in reinstalling monitoring equipment, including cameras, removed in June 2022, which impacts the IAEA's ability to verify the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear program.
The upcoming IAEA Board of Governors meeting in Vienna is expected to address Iran's lack of cooperation. Western nations are contemplating a resolution censuring Iran for its failure to comply with agency requests. Iran has warned of potential retaliation if challenged at the meeting, while the IAEA chief acknowledged the possibility of action being taken against Iran by concerned nations.
