Iran has significantly escalated its uranium enrichment activities, amassing a larger stockpile of near weapons-grade material, reported AP. The significant development comes from a confidential report by the U.N. nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The development comes amidst ongoing talks between Tehran and Washington aimed at securing a new nuclear deal.
Nuclear enrichment by Iran
According to Associated Press, the IAEA revealed that as of May 17, Iran’s stockpile of uranium enriched to 60% purity has reached 408.6 kilograms (900.8 pounds). This represents a substantial increase of 133.8 kilograms (294.9 pounds) since the agency’s last assessment in February. Uranium enriched to 60% is considered a technical step away from the 90% purity required for weapons-grade material. The February report had indicated a stockpile of 274.8 kilograms (605.8 pounds).
IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi reiterated his grave concerns on Saturday, emphasising that “Iran is the only non-nuclear weapon state enriching to this level.” He issued an urgent call for Tehran to “cooperate fully and effectively” with the IAEA’s ongoing probe into its nuclear activities.
Donald Trump on the Nuclear Deal
The report surfaces at a critical juncture in diplomatic efforts. U.S. President Donald Trump is actively pursuing a new nuclear deal with Iran, and talks between the two nations have been underway for several rounds. Just a day prior, on Friday, President Trump expressed optimism, stating that he believes a deal could be finalised in the “not too distant future.” He also revealed that he had cautioned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against preemptive strikes on Iran’s nuclear program while negotiations are in progress.
However, senior Iranian officials on Thursday dismissed speculation of an imminent deal, asserting that any agreement must entail a full lifting of sanctions and allow for the continuation of their nuclear program.
(With AP Inputs)