Iran is getting very close to having the ability to build nuclear weapons, according to a confidential report from the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The report was shared with the Associated Press.
What the Report Says:
- Iran now has 408.6 kg of uranium enriched up to 60%, which is 133.8 kg more than in February.
- 60% enrichment is just one technical step away from 90% enrichment, which is needed to make a nuclear bomb.
- The IAEA says that 42 kg of 60% enriched uranium is enough for one atomic bomb if enriched further.
- In total, Iran has 9,247.6 kg of enriched uranium, an increase of 953.2 kg since February.
- This makes Iran the only country without nuclear weapons to produce such highly enriched uranium, which the IAEA calls a serious concern.
Iran’s Response:
Iran strongly rejected the report.
The country’s Foreign Ministry and Atomic Energy Organization said the report was biased and based on unreliable information. They claim the IAEA is being pressured for political reasons. Iran also reminded that its Supreme Leader has issued a religious ban on nuclear weapons.
Iran blames the current situation on the U.S. withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal under former President Donald Trump.
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The IAEA also raised concerns about undeclared nuclear activities at three sites in Iran, possibly linked to a nuclear weapons program from the early 2000s.
While Iran says its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, the head of the IAEA, Rafael Grossi, warned that Iran already has enough material to build several nuclear bombs if it chooses to do so.
Diplomatic Talks Ongoing:
Talks between the U.S. and Iran are still happening, but there has been no major breakthrough. The Omani Foreign Minister visited Tehran recently to deliver a new proposal from the U.S. The latest round of talks in Rome showed some progress but no final agreement yet.
