UN Report Reveals Iran’s Surging Uranium Enrichment, Raises Global Concerns
VIENNA:
Iran has significantly ramped up its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, drawing serious concern from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), according to a confidential report viewed by AFP. The report details that as of May 17, Iran possesses 408.6 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60% purity — an increase of 133.8 kilograms since February. This level is dangerously close to the 90% threshold needed for nuclear weapons.
Overall, Iran’s total enriched uranium reserves now exceed 9,247.6 kilograms, more than 45 times the limit set by the 2015 nuclear agreement between Tehran and world powers.
The IAEA expressed alarm over Iran’s growing enrichment efforts, stating that it remains the only non-nuclear-weapon state to produce uranium at such levels. In a separate technical assessment, the agency also criticised Iran’s “less than satisfactory” cooperation regarding its nuclear transparency obligations, particularly concerning nuclear material found at undeclared sites.
Despite these developments, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reiterated that the country considers nuclear weapons “unacceptable.” The report comes amid fragile diplomatic negotiations between Tehran and Washington over reviving the 2015 nuclear accord.
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