Iran Increases Stockpiles of Enriched Uranium

The Islamic Republic of Iran has significantly increased its stockpile of near weapons-grade enriched uranium, according to a recent report from the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). This alarming development heightens global concerns over Iran's potential nuclear capabilities.

The IAEA report, obtained by the Associated Press, reveals that Iran's stockpile of 60% enriched uranium has surged from 121.5 kilograms to 142.1 kilograms within a few months. The Foundation for the Defense of Democracies (FDD) highlights that the majority of the effort required to achieve weapons-grade uranium, which is enriched to over 90%, occurs during the initial enrichment to 60%. The final phase to reach weapons-grade levels constitutes just "the last 1% of the effort needed to produce the fuel for a nuclear weapon" and can be accomplished in as little as seven days, known as the "breakout time."

Key points from the IAEA report:

• Iran’s stockpile of 60% enriched uranium increased significantly, approaching weapons-grade levels.

• Enriching uranium to 60% completes 99% of the work required to achieve weapons-grade uranium.

• The final phase to reach 90% enrichment, enabling nuclear weapon fuel production, takes only seven days.

Since the November 2020 elections, Iran has ramped up its enrichment activities, reaching 20% and 60% enrichment levels and stockpiling both. This escalation comes amidst a backdrop of relaxed sanctions enforcement under President Joe Biden's administration. Critics argue that this policy has allowed tens of billions of dollars to flow into Iran, the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism, facilitating its nuclear ambitions in violation of international law.

Andrea Stricker, Deputy Director & Research Fellow of FDD’s Nonproliferation & Biodefense program, commented on the situation: “IAEA’s latest reporting shows Iran is steadily increasing its proximity to nuclear weapons. The Biden admin. naively believes Tehran is undertaking restraint via indirect talks and U.S. sanctions relief.” She warns that Iran is methodically advancing towards nuclear breakout, potentially catching the U.S. off guard.

Stricker further elaborated that as of February, Iran possessed enough enriched uranium to produce 13 nuclear weapons after additional enrichment to 90%. Currently, the regime could produce nearly four weapons using just its stock of 60% enriched uranium.

This troubling escalation underscores the urgent need for a reassessment of U.S. and international policies towards Iran's nuclear program. The world must confront the reality of Iran's advancing nuclear capabilities and the potential threats they pose to global security.

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