Iran has sharply increased its production of highly enriched uranium. A new confidential report from the UN nuclear watchdog confirms this development. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) stated that Iran now holds 408.6 kilogrammes of uranium enriched to 60%.
This amount marks a rise of 133.8 kilogrammes since February. It brings Iran closer to the 90% enrichment level needed for nuclear weapons.
Iran’s Stockpile Exceeds Limits
Iran’s total enriched uranium now stands at 9,247.6 kilogrammes. This is over 45 times the limit set by the 2015 nuclear agreement with world powers. That deal had capped enrichment at 3.67%.
The IAEA expressed alarm. “The significantly increased production and accumulation of highly enriched uranium by Iran, the only non-nuclear weapon state to produce such nuclear material, is of serious concern,” the agency said.
Cooperation Remains Weak
In a separate report, the IAEA criticized Iran’s cooperation. It said Tehran showed “less than satisfactory” engagement. Iran has failed to explain nuclear material found at undeclared sites.
This lack of progress raises further doubts about Iran’s transparency in its nuclear activities.
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Iran Reiterates: “Nuclear Weapons Unacceptable”
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi addressed the issue on Saturday. “If the issue is nuclear weapons, yes, we too consider this type of weapon unacceptable,” he said.
Araghchi also leads Iran’s delegation in nuclear negotiations with the U.S. He denied that a deal was imminent, despite speculation. “I’m not sure if an agreement is close,” he added.
Israel and U.S. Voice Concern
Following the IAEA report, Israel accused Iran of being “totally determined” to build nuclear weapons. Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office said, “Such a level of enrichment has no civilian justification whatsoever.”
Former U.S. President Donald Trump echoed these concerns. He said Iran “cannot have a nuclear weapon” but acknowledged that talks are ongoing.
Trump Hints at Diplomacy First
Trump said negotiations with Iran are “going very well.” He revealed that he advised Israel not to strike Iran’s nuclear sites “at this time.” However, he did not rule out future military action. “Let’s make a deal first,” he added.
Israel has previously threatened military strikes. Last year, it targeted Iranian air defenses during cross-border skirmishes.
A New Deal Still Possible?
Iran and the U.S. have held five rounds of talks. They aim to replace the 2015 deal that Trump abandoned in 2018. A new round of negotiations may be announced soon. Oman is expected to host the next meeting.
Disagreements over uranium enrichment remain a major hurdle. Washington demands a halt. Tehran insists it has the right under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
Inspectors May Return
Iran has hinted at allowing U.S. inspectors to join the IAEA team. Nuclear chief Mohammad Eslami said this could happen if Iran’s conditions are met. “We will reconsider accepting American inspectors,” he stated.
Iran now holds the world’s largest stockpile of highly enriched uranium for a non-nuclear weapon state. The world watches closely as talks continue—and the stakes rise.
