UN says Iran has increased its stockpile of enriched uranium close to weapons level

VIENNA (AP) — Iran has further increased its stockpile of uranium enriched to near-weapons-grade levels in defiance of international demands, according to a secret report by the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog seen by The Associated Press on Tuesday.

According to the International Atomic Energy Agency report, as of October 26, Iran had 182.3 kilograms (401.9 pounds) of uranium enriched to 60%; This is up 17.6 kilograms (38.8 pounds) since the last report in August.

Enriched uranium at 60 percent purity is only a short, technical step away from weapons-grade levels of 90 percent.

In its quarterly report, the IAEA also estimates that Iran’s overall enriched uranium stockpile as of October 26 was 6,604.4 kilograms (14,560 pounds), representing an increase of 852.6 kilograms (1,879.6 pounds). Since the last report in August. By the IAEA’s definition, approximately 42 kilograms (92.5 pounds) of uranium enriched to 60% purity is the amount at which it is theoretically possible to create an atomic weapon; if the material is further enriched, up to 90%.

Iran maintained that its nuclear program was for peaceful purposes only, but the IAEA chief said: Rafael Mariano Grossi had warned before Tehran has enough uranium enriched to near weapons level make “some” nuclear bombs if he chooses to do so. He acknowledged that none of the UN agency could guarantee. Iran’s centrifuges may have been dismantled for secret enrichment purposes.

The IAEA also reported that Iran has not taken concrete steps to improve cooperation for now, despite the requests of Grossi, who visited Iran last week to meet with Mohammad Eslami of the Iranian Atomic Energy Organization, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Iran’s reformist leader. President Masoud Pezeshkian.

However, the IAEA report stated that during the meetings “the possibility of Iran not further expanding its stockpile of uranium enriched to 60% U-235 was discussed, including the necessary technical verification measures for the Agency to approve this if implemented.” .”

The report said that a day after International Atomic Energy Agency director general Rafael Mariano Grossi left Iran on November 16, IAEA inspectors confirmed that “Iran has begun to implement preparatory measures aimed at stopping the increase of its stockpile of enriched uranium up to 1,000 grams.” 60% U-235” in underground nuclear facilities at Fordow and Natanz.

Tuesday’s confidential report also included the following statements during Grossi’s visit to Iran on November 14: “Iran responded to the Agency’s concerns regarding Iran’s withdrawal of the appointment of several experienced Agency inspectors, taking into account the acceptance of the appointment of four experienced Agency inspectors.” He agreed to give it. ”

In September 2023, Iran banned some products. The most experienced inspectors of the Vienna-based organization.

The report also noted that no progress has been made so far on reinstalling further monitoring equipment, including cameras that were removed in June 2022. This would also “have detrimental consequences for the Trinity’s ability to provide assurance regarding the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program.”

The only data recorded since then is that of IAEA cameras installed in a centrifuge workshop in Isfahan in May 2023; however, Iran did not provide the IAEA with access to this data and inspectors were unable to service the cameras.

The reports come ahead of the IAEA Executive Board meeting in Vienna this week. Western countries are working on a resolution condemning Iran for its failure to improve cooperation with the agency.

Last week, Eslami warned that Iran could retaliate if challenged at the upcoming IAEA board meeting. Grossi acknowledged that some countries are considering taking action against Iran.

Commitments made by Iran during the IAEA’s chief visit may not be valid if a resolution is passed, a senior diplomat said.