Iran Boosts Uranium Production Amid Ongoing Tensions
VIENNA: Recent reports indicate that Iran has significantly increased its production of highly enriched uranium. This information comes from a confidential document released by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which was reviewed by AFP on Saturday.
Tensions between Iran and the UN nuclear watchdog have escalated since the collapse of a 2015 agreement aimed at restricting Tehran’s nuclear activities in return for easing sanctions. This latest IAEA report emerges as Iran engages in sensitive negotiations with the United States regarding its nuclear program.
The IAEA reported that as of May 17, Iran possesses approximately 408.6 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 percent purity—an increase of 133.8 kilograms since February. Enriching uranium to 60 percent is particularly alarming, as it is close to the 90 percent purity required for nuclear weapons.
Notably, the IAEA states that Iran is currently the only country not recognized as a nuclear weapons state that is enriching uranium to such a high level. Iran, however, continues to deny any intention to develop nuclear weapons.
In a separate, more detailed analysis, the IAEA expressed concerns over Iran’s “less than satisfactory” cooperation regarding oversight of its nuclear program. The agency stated that while Iran cooperates in routine safeguards, it has not adequately addressed several important issues.
The IAEA highlighted Iran’s failure to provide clear answers about nuclear material found at undeclared sites, noting that Tehran has either not responded to inquiries or provided insufficient explanations. Additionally, the report mentions Iran’s efforts to sanitize certain locations, complicating the agency’s verification processes.
The backdrop to these developments includes the U.S. withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal, initiated by former President Donald Trump during his tenure. This deal had aimed to limit Iran’s nuclear capabilities in exchange for lifting sanctions.
