United Nations has reported that Iran has expanded its stockpile of nearly weapons-grade uranium, disregarding international calls to curb its nuclear program.
A report from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) revealed that by October 26, Iran had amassed 182.3 kilograms (401.9 pounds) of uranium enriched to 60%, an increase of 17.6 kilograms (38.8 pounds) since the last update in August. Uranium enriched to 60% is just a step away from the weapons-grade level of 90%.
The IAEA’s quarterly report also noted that as of October 26, Iran’s total stockpile of enriched uranium had reached 6,604.4 kilograms (14,560 pounds), up by 852.6 kilograms (1,879.6 pounds) since August. According to the IAEA, approximately 42 kilograms (92.5 pounds) of uranium enriched to 60% is enough to theoretically produce one nuclear weapon, assuming it is further enriched to 90%.
This report comes amid rising tensions, with Israel and Iran having exchanged missile strikes in recent months, following over a year of conflict in Gaza, which is controlled by Hamas, a group backed by Iran.
A senior western diplomat, who spoke on the condition of anonymity on a sensitive matter, confirmed to the AP that the United Kingdom, France and Germany, with the support from the U.S., are going ahead with a resolution at this week’s IAEA Board of Governors meeting, censuring Iran for its lack of cooperation, leading to potential confrontation with Iran ahead of Trump’s return to the White House.
“We remain tightly coordinated with our E3 partners (France, Germany and UK) in advance of the IAEA Board of Governors meeting. And, we strongly support efforts to hold Iran accountable,” U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters Tuesday in Washington.
“The Iranian regime continues to amass a growing stockpile of highly enriched uranium for which there is no credible civilian purpose and they continue to not cooperate fully with the IAEA,” he added.
