Iran has accelerated its production of near weapons-grade uranium, according to a report by the United Nations' nuclear watchdog. The report revealed that as of Feb. 8, Iran has 274.8 kilograms (605.8 pounds) of uranium enriched up to 60%, a significant increase from previous reports. This material is just a technical step away from weapons-grade levels of 90%.
The International Atomic Energy Agency expressed serious concern over Iran's increased production and accumulation of high enriched uranium, noting that approximately 42 kilograms of 60% enriched uranium could potentially be used to produce one atomic bomb if further enriched to 90%.
Furthermore, the report highlighted that Iran's overall stockpile of enriched uranium now stands at 8,294.4 kilograms (18,286 pounds), representing a substantial increase since the last report in November.
The Trump administration has emphasized the need to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, with a spokesperson stating that President Trump is committed to ensuring Iran never obtains a nuclear weapon. Trump's decision to withdraw from the 2015 nuclear deal and reimpose sanctions has strained relations between the two countries.
Despite some openness to negotiations expressed by both sides, Iran's Supreme Leader has made it clear that talks under pressure, threat, or sanctions are not acceptable. Iran maintains that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only, but the IAEA has raised concerns about Tehran's potential capability to produce nuclear weapons.
The report also highlighted Iran's decision to ban some IAEA inspectors and its failure to address outstanding safeguards issues related to certain locations within the country. The IAEA remains willing to work with Iran to resolve these issues and resume implementation of the 2015 deal.
Iran has increased the number of operating cascades of advanced centrifuges, such as the IR-6 and IR-2m models, at its nuclear facilities in Fordo and Natanz. These advanced centrifuges allow for faster uranium enrichment compared to the baseline IR-1 centrifuges permitted under the original nuclear deal.
