The Global Tension Behind Iran’s Secretive Uranium Production
A recent report from the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog reveals that Iran has ramped up its production of near weapons-grade uranium, heightening tensions with Washington following the election of U.S. President Donald Trump. According to the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency, as of February 8, Iran possessed 274.8 kilograms (605.8 pounds) of uranium enriched up to 60%, marking an increase of 92.5 kilograms (203.9 pounds) since the previous report in November. This puts Iran just a technical step away from weapons-grade levels of 90%.
The report expressed serious concerns about Iran’s significantly increased production and accumulation of high enriched uranium, emphasizing that approximately 42 kilograms of 60% enriched uranium could be enough to produce one atomic bomb if further enriched to 90%. The overall stockpile of enriched uranium in Iran stood at 8,294.4 kilograms (18,286 pounds) as of February 8, an increase of 1,690.0 kilograms (3,725.8 pounds) since the previous report in November.
The Trump administration has issued warnings against Iran acquiring nuclear weapons, emphasizing the need to prevent such a scenario. While President Trump has expressed openness to negotiations with Iran to address outstanding issues between the two countries, tensions have escalated due to Iran’s accelerated production of near weapons-grade uranium.
Under the original 2015 nuclear deal, Iran was limited to enriching uranium up to 3.67% purity and maintaining a stockpile of 300 kilograms. However, Iran’s recent actions have raised concerns and increased pressure on the Trump administration, which has pursued a policy of maximum pressure on Iran through sanctions.
Despite suggestions of potential talks with the U.S., Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has expressed skepticism, stating that negotiations with America may not be wise or honorable. The International Atomic Energy Agency has raised alarms about Iran’s nuclear ambitions, cautioning that Tehran has enough enriched uranium to make several nuclear bombs if it chooses to do so.
As Iran continues to operate more centrifuges and restrict IAEA inspections, the situation remains tense, with both Iran and the U.S. facing challenges in resolving their differences and preventing further escalation.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has raised concerns about Iran’s nuclear activities, indicating that the country is making advancements that could enable it to develop a nuclear weapon if it decides to pursue that path. In a report released recently, the IAEA warned that Iran is on track to significantly increase its stockpile of near weapons-grade uranium by operating cascades of advanced centrifuges. This development follows a resolution passed by the IAEA Board of Governors, which criticized Iran for its lack of full cooperation with the agency.
Despite previous resolutions from the Board, Iran has consistently responded by intensifying its nuclear program. The report highlighted that Iran has not reversed its decision from September 2023 to prohibit some of the agency’s seasoned inspectors from monitoring its nuclear activities. The Director General of the IAEA expressed disappointment that Iran did not accept the designation of additional experienced inspectors as a sign of willingness to cooperate.
Challenges persist regarding unresolved safeguards issues related to certain locations in Iran, such as Varamin and Turquzabad, where the origin and location of man-made uranium particles are still in question. Efforts to address these concerns have not made progress. The report revealed that discussions between IAEA Director General Grossi and Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi earlier this year aimed to resume the implementation of a previous agreement between the agency and Tehran.
The agreement included commitments by Iran to resolve issues pertaining to Varamin and Turquzabad and to facilitate additional verification and monitoring activities by the IAEA. Foreign Minister Araghchi expressed Iran’s willingness to collaborate with the agency and suggested the possibility of another visit by the Director General to Tehran.
Furthermore, the IAEA report confirmed that Iran had expanded its deployment of advanced centrifuges, specifically increasing the number of IR-6 centrifuges to seven at the Fordo facility and the number of IR-2m centrifuges to 27 at the Natanz plant. These advanced centrifuges allow for more rapid uranium enrichment compared to the earlier-generation centrifuges permitted under the 2015 nuclear deal, which restricted Iran to enriching uranium to 3.67% using a limited number of first-generation centrifuges at the Natanz Fuel Enrichment Plant.
