A confidential report by the United Nations' nuclear watchdog reveals that Iran has escalated its nuclear program by boosting its stockpile of uranium enriched to near weapons-grade levels. The report, issued by the International Atomic Energy Agency, discloses that as of Oct. 26, Iran possesses 182.3 kilograms of uranium enriched up to 60%, a significant increase from the previous report in August.
Uranium enriched at 60% purity is just a technical step away from reaching weapons-grade levels of 90%. The IAEA also estimates that Iran's overall stockpile of enriched uranium now stands at 6,604.4 kilograms, with an increase of 852.6 kilograms since August.
Iran's actions come amidst escalating tensions with Israel, with both countries engaging in missile attacks. Additionally, the recent reelection of Donald Trump raises questions about future engagements between the US and Iran, given Trump's previous policy of maximum pressure on Tehran.
Iran recently offered to halt the expansion of its stockpile of uranium enriched up to 60% during discussions with the IAEA chief. Following this, IAEA inspectors verified Iran's implementation of measures to prevent further stockpile growth at its nuclear sites in Fordow and Natanz.
These developments precede the upcoming IAEA Board of Governors meeting in Vienna, where Western countries are considering a resolution censuring Iran for its lack of cooperation with the agency. There are concerns that Iran's commitments may not hold if such a resolution is passed, as past resolutions have led to Iran intensifying its nuclear program.
Iran maintains that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, but the IAEA has warned that Tehran possesses enough uranium enriched to near-weapons-grade levels to produce multiple nuclear bombs if it chooses to do so. The agency also acknowledges the challenge of ensuring that Iran's centrifuges are not being used for clandestine enrichment.
