IAEA Report Raises Alarm Over Iran's Expanding Nuclear Program

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director-General, Rafael Grossi, presented a worrying update to the agency’s Board of Governors on Monday, revealing that Iran's stockpile of 60% enriched uranium has increased to 275 kilograms. This represents an alarming rise of approximately one full nuclear weapon's worth of uranium per month since December.

Grossi highlighted the potential dangers of this development, stressing that the amount of 60% enriched uranium Iran possesses could be quickly converted to 90%, the level required for nuclear weapons. According to IAEA estimates, Tehran now has enough uranium for the production of six nuclear weapons, should it decide to pursue such a path.

The IAEA report is part of ongoing concerns regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions, which have grown since the country stopped adhering to its commitments under the 2015 nuclear deal. Iran’s increased uranium enrichment comes as a response to the IAEA’s condemnation in November 2024 for failing to comply with nuclear safeguards. The increase in enrichment levels, combined with discrepancies in Iran’s reporting on uranium material, has raised alarms internationally.

Iran's escalating nuclear program coincides with rising political tensions. Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has repeatedly expressed his lack of trust in the Trump administration, especially after President Donald Trump withdrew from the nuclear deal in 2018. Khamenei has made it clear that he sees negotiations with the U.S. as futile given the sanctions re-imposed by Trump. Meanwhile, President Trump has signaled that time is running out for Iran to strike a deal before facing severe consequences.

As the IAEA continues to monitor Iran’s nuclear activities, the international community remains divided on how to approach the situation. Some estimates, including those from Israeli and U.S. officials, suggest that Iran could potentially develop even more nuclear weapons than the IAEA has forecast, particularly if they opt for smaller nuclear bombs.

In light of Iran’s ongoing nuclear violations, Grossi urged further cooperation and transparency from Tehran. He stated that Iran’s claim of declaring all nuclear materials is inconsistent with IAEA findings, which have uncovered uranium particles of anthropogenic origin at undeclared locations. Additionally, discrepancies were found in Iran's uranium metal production experiments, adding to the concerns.

Grossi also expressed regret over Iran’s refusal to accept the designation of additional IAEA inspectors, despite initial indications of willingness. He emphasized the need for effective dialogue and tangible results, suggesting that there might still be room for constructive compromises, although no significant progress has been made thus far.