Iran Boosts Near Weapons-Grade Uranium Stockpile, UN Reports

May 28, 2024

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which is in charge of keeping an eye on nuclear issues for the UN, recently released a secret report that said Iran has greatly increased the amount of uranium it enriches. The most recent information shows that Iran has 142.1 kilograms of uranium refined to 60% purity. This is 20.6 kilograms more than it had in February. This amount of enrichment is a very important step toward getting weapons-grade material, which is 90% pure.

Overview of Uranium Stockpile

The IAEA report shows that Iran’s general uranium stockpile has grown by a large amount. Iran now has 6201.3 kilograms of enriched uranium, which is 675.8 kilos more than the last report showed. Even though Iran says it is working on a peaceful nuclear program, the increased amount and purity of enriched uranium raises worries about its nuclear plans.

Current Negotiations and Inspections

Iran would not let some of the IAEA’s most experienced nuclear inspectors into its sites after a decision was made in September 2023. Recent messages, on the other hand, show that talks are still going on, with Tehran suggesting that they continue on a mutually agreed upon date in Tehran. The IAEA is still hoping that this ban will be changed during the current talks.

IAEA’s Concerns and Warnings

The head of the IAEA has said again that he is worried about Iran’s quickly growing ability to enrich uranium. It says that Iran might be able to make “several” nuclear bombs if it decides to go in this way with its current stockpile and level of enrichment. As the whole world keeps a close eye on things, the situation remains very bad.

More About International Atomic Energy Agency

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), founded in 1957 and based in Vienna, works to stop nuclear energy from being used for military reasons and promote its peaceful uses.
It is separate from the UN but reports to both the General Assembly and the Security Council.
In 1953, U.S. President Eisenhower developed the Atoms for Peace plan, which guides how the agency works.
In 2005, the IAEA won the Nobel Peace Prize for its work to stop the spread of nuclear weapons and make sure that nuclear activities are safe.
It also helps countries make nuclear safety standards better and checks regularly to make sure they are following the nuclear non-proliferation pact (NPT).
Notably, the IAEA was very important in checking Iraq’s nuclear program while it was under UN sanctions and Iran’s nuclear program while it was under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.
The IAEA also helps handle radioactive waste around the world.

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