Iran's stockpile of uranium enriched to near weapons-grade levels
By Cody Andrus
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) revealed that Iran now possesses approximately 408.6 kilograms of uranium enriched up to 60% purity, marking an astounding increase of 133.8 kilograms since the agency’s previous report in February. Uranium enriched to 60% is a very short technical step from the 90% enrichment typically considered weapons-grade. Experts estimate that this quantity, if further enriched, could theoretically be enough for roughly three nuclear weapons. The IAEA has established that 42 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60% is the approximate amount needed, after further enrichment to 90%, to produce a single nuclear bomb.
This news occurs against a backdrop of stalled diplomacy. The 2015 nuclear deal, known formally as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), had placed strict limits on Iran's enrichment activities in exchange for sanctions relief. The U.S. withdrew from this agreement in 2018 and reimposed sanctions. Since that time, Iran has gradually increased its nuclear activities beyond the JCPOA's parameters. Iranian officials state its actions are reversible if its economic grievances are addressed through the lifting of sanctions. Talks aimed at reviving the accord have been largely unproductive, leading to the current impasse.
The consistent growth of Iran's highly enriched uranium stockpile is a source of grave concern for the IAEA and various Western nations, including the U.S. Rafael Grossi, the Director General of the IAEA, has repeatedly voiced worries about Iran's nuclear advancements. He has also highlighted the lack of transparency from Tehran, including unresolved issues with monitoring equipment at some Iranian nuclear facilities. The U.S. and its European allies have called on Iran to de-escalate its nuclear work and return to full cooperation with the IAEA.
Iranian officials maintain that their nuclear program is intended for peaceful purposes, such as power generation and medical isotopes. They've often asserted their right to develop nuclear technology for civilian use under the Non-Proliferation Treaty. Public statements from some Iranian figures have occasionally mentioned that Iran possesses the technical capability to produce a nuclear weapon if it chose to do so. Official policy, though, denies any intent to build such weapons.
Associated Press. (2024, May 27). UN nuclear watchdog says Iran has further increased its stockpile of uranium enriched to near weapons-grade. AP News. Reuters. (2024, May 27). Iran's near-bomb-grade uranium stock grows, IAEA says amid nuclear deadlock. Reuters. Norman, L., & Eqbali, A. (2024, May 27). Iran Boosts Stockpile of Near-Weapons-Grade Uranium, Watchdog Says. The Wall Street Journal. Sanger, D. E., & Schmitt, E. (2024, May 28). Iran Expands Nuclear Stockpile That’s Close to Bomb-Grade. The New York Times. Arms Control Association. (2024, June). Iran's Nuclear Milestones. Arms Control Association Fact Sheets. International Crisis Group. (2024, May 15).
