The IAEA warns: Iran has significantly increased its stockpile of uranium enriched to levels close to those required for nuclear weapons
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has released a new confidential report confirming a rapid increase in uranium stocks enriched to levels that potentially pave the way for nuclear weapon development. According to data published by the agency, citing internal sources, as of May 17 this year, Iran has accumulated over 408.6 kg of uranium with a 60% enrichment level. This figure is impressive, as it exceeds the previous official data from February by nearly 134 kg — from 274.8 kg to over 408 kg. Enrichment at the 60% level is considered a critical stage in a nuclear program, where the material becomes an intermediate step toward weapon-grade enrichment at 90%. In other words, with further enrichment, this uranium could be used to produce a nuclear bomb. As the IAEA emphasizes in its report, Iran is "the only country that formally does not possess nuclear weapons but produces material that raises serious concerns," according to the agency’s statements. Total enriched uranium stockpiles in Iran currently amount to 9,247.6 kg — this is 953 kg more than in the previous report and nearly 34 times the amount needed for a single nuclear device at 60% enrichment level, which is about 42 kg. Just considering this amount, it is theoretically possible to produce several nuclear warheads immediately if further enriched to 90%. This raises concerns about the potential acceleration of Iran’s nuclear program, practically posing a challenge to the global community. Tehran’s conviction in the peaceful nature of its nuclear activities remains unchanged; however, experts and international observers increasingly warn that the country now has the technical capability to produce nuclear weapons if a political decision is made. IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi highlighted that Tehran has accumulated enough material to produce several nuclear warheads and called on Iranian authorities to engage in "full and constructive cooperation" with international investigations regarding uranium traces found at previously undeclared nuclear sites. According to analytical data, many of the detected uranium traces were found at sites that Tehran did not report in its official disclosures — a fact that attracts significant interest from international intelligence agencies and policymakers. Representatives of the European Union and other countries express concern that this information could be used as a basis to reinstate sanctions that were previously suspended under the nuclear deal, which was in effect until its expiration late this year. This threatens any chance of restoring diplomatic agreements with Iran. Amid regional tensions and international diplomatic efforts, significant political events are taking place. On May 31, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Washington had nearly reached an agreement on a new nuclear deal with Tehran. According to earlier media reports, Iran was prepared to sign this agreement in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions — however, it is not yet clear whether a final compromise has been achieved. Overall, the situation remains tense and dynamic. International observers increasingly criticize Iranian government structures for their unwavering stance on the nuclear program, emphasizing that the potential capability to produce nuclear weapons already exists. This marks a new phase in diplomatic and security negotiations, as the global community seeks to prevent a potential nuclear crisis with worldwide consequences. In conclusion, Iran’s rapid accumulation of uranium stocks enriched to 60% is a signal to all participants of international treaties and diplomatic initiatives. The key now is whether Tehran can resolve the situation and restore trust from the international community, or if the situation will further deteriorate, threatening a new escalation of tensions in the region and globally.