Iran Further Increases Stockpile Of Uranium Enriched To Near-Weapons-Grade Levels, UN Says

An Iranian nuclear enrichment facility near Natanz (file photo)

Iran has further increased its stockpile of uranium enriched to near weapons-grade levels in defiance of international demands, a confidential report by the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog said on August 29. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said in the report, seen by Reuters and the Associated Press, that as of August 17 Iran had increased its stockpile of uranium enriched up to 60 percent by 22.6 kilograms, totaling 164.7 kilograms. Uranium enriched up to 60 percent purity is just a short, technical step away from weapons-grade levels of 90 percent. The IAEA report says Tehran has also not reconsidered its September 2023 decision to ban the most experienced nuclear inspectors from monitoring its nuclear program and that IAEA surveillance cameras remain disrupted.