Iran has further increased its stockpile of uranium enriched to near weapons-grade levels, according to a confidential report by the UN nuclear watchdog.
The report arrives at a sensitive juncture, with ongoing talks between Tehran and Washington regarding a potential nuclear agreement that US President Donald Trump is attempting to secure.
The report, issued by the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and reviewed by The Associated Press, indicates that as of May 17, Iran possesses 408.6kg of uranium enriched up to 60%. This represents a 133.8kg increase since the IAEA’s previous report in February.
That material is technically a short step away from weapons-grade levels of 90%. A February report cited the stockpile at 274.8kg.
IAEA chief Rafael Mariano Grossi has repeatedly emphasized that “Iran is the only non-nuclear weapon state enriching to this level.”
On Saturday, Mr. Grossi “reiterates his urgent call upon Iran to cooperate fully and effectively” with the IAEA.
On Thursday, senior Iranian officials downplayed speculation about an imminent nuclear deal with the United States, insisting that any agreement must include the complete removal of sanctions and allow the continuation of the country’s nuclear program.
These comments followed reports that Mr. Trump had advised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to postpone any potential strikes against Iran, affording the US administration more time to pursue a new nuclear agreement with Tehran.
Mr. Trump stated on Friday that he believes a deal could still be reached in the “not too distant future.”
“They don’t want to be blown up. They would rather make a deal,” Mr. Trump said, referring to Iran. He continued, “That would be a great thing that we could have a deal without bombs being dropped all over the Middle East.”
