Iran Increased Stockpile of Near Weapons-Grade Uranium, UN Watchdog Reports
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported that Iran increased its stockpile of uranium enriched to 60% purity—a short technical step from weapons-grade—just before an Israeli military attack in June. According to a confidential report, Iran's stockpile of this highly enriched uranium grew by over 32 kg to 440.9 kg. The UN nuclear watchdog also expressed "serious concern" that its inspectors have been unable to verify Iran's stockpile for over two and a half months following the conflict.
Unpacked:
Uranium enriched to 60% purity is considered highly enriched and is close to weapons-grade (about 90% purity). This makes it technically easier for Iran to rapidly produce material suitable for a nuclear weapon, should it choose to do so. Typically, civilian nuclear reactors use uranium enriched to only about 3-5%.
The IAEA has been unable to verify Iran’s stockpile because Iran has restricted inspector access following recent regional conflict and the attack in June. Political tensions and security concerns have repeatedly led Iran to limit or deny the UN watchdog’s monitoring activities in the past.
Experts estimate that if Iran enriched its entire stockpile to weapons-grade (about 90%), it could produce enough material for at least two nuclear bombs. The 'breakout time'—the time needed to produce enough weapons-grade uranium for one bomb—has been reduced to roughly three months due to the size and enrichment level of Iran's current stockpile.
Tensions rose after Iran's uranium enrichment increased and following an Israeli military attack in June. The attack, along with Iran’s decision to limit IAEA inspections, has fueled international concerns about Iran’s intentions and the potential for nuclear proliferation in the region.