Iran Expands Enriched Uranium Amid Nuclear Deal Strain

Iran has further increased its stockpile of uranium enriched to near weapons-grade levels, according to a confidential UN report, the latest move by Tehran to exert pressure on the international community amid efforts to revive the 2015 nuclear deal.

The report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said as of May 11, Iran has 142.1 kg of uranium enriched up to 60% purity - an increase of 20.6 kg since February. Uranium enriched to 60% is just a short technical step away from 90% weapons-grade levels.

By the IAEA's definition, around 42 kg of 60% enriched uranium is the amount theoretically needed for one nuclear weapon if further enriched to 90%.

The report also states Iran's overall enriched uranium stockpile now stands at 6,201.3 kg, a 675.8 kg increase since the last report.

While Iran insists its nuclear program is peaceful, IAEA chief Rafael Grossi has warned Tehran has enough highly-enriched uranium for "several" bombs if it chooses. He acknowledges the agency cannot guarantee no centrifuges are being used for clandestine enrichment.

Tensions have grown since the U.S. withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal in 2018, with Iran abandoning all enrichment limits and quickly ramping up its program beyond the 3.67% cap allowed then.

Report said Tehran has not reconsidered barring IAEA inspectors from monitoring its program from September 2023, calling it "essential" for verification. It expects resumed cooperation after a pause following Iran's president and FM deaths.

The report regrets Iran not answering queries over undeclared uranium particles at two sites. It says this must be resolved for the IAEA to confirm the completeness of Iran's declarations.

There was also no progress reinstalling removed monitoring equipment like cameras beyond one workshop. The IAEA accessed data from that site collected in late 2023 after an April delay.