UN Watchdog: Iran Boosts Near-Weapons-Grade Uranium Stockpile as US Talks Continue

Iran has significantly increased its stockpile of uranium enriched close to weapons-grade levels, according to a confidential report by the U.N.’s International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The IAEA revealed that by May 17, Iran had accumulated 408.6 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60%, an increase of nearly 50% since February. Enrichment at this level is just a short technical step from the 90% required for nuclear weapons.

“This is of serious concern,” the agency warned, noting Iran is the only non-nuclear state producing such material. Around 42 kilograms of uranium at 60% enrichment could, if further enriched, be used to produce one atomic bomb. The IAEA also said Iran’s total stockpile of enriched uranium now exceeds 9,200 kilograms.

Although Tehran claims its nuclear efforts are peaceful, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi has said Iran possesses enough near-weapons-grade uranium to make “several” bombs. U.S. intelligence agrees Iran hasn’t started building a weapon but warns it has taken steps that could make doing so easier.

Iran strongly rejected the report, calling it “biased” and based on outdated and unreliable sources. Its Foreign Ministry emphasized Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s religious decree banning nuclear weapons and insisted Iran’s enrichment activities are legal and monitored. Tehran also criticized the IAEA for ignoring the U.S. withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal.

Talks between the U.S. and Iran continue, with Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi recently visiting Tehran to present a new American proposal. U.S. sanctions remain a sticking point, as Iran demands their full removal for any deal.

Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin’s office responded quickly, calling the IAEA report proof that “Iran is totally determined to complete its nuclear weapons program,” and urged international action, stressing that Iran’s uranium enrichment “has no civilian justification.”

Grossi reiterated his call for Iran to fully cooperate with the IAEA’s long-running investigation into uranium traces found at undeclared sites. A second IAEA report concluded Iran likely operated a covert nuclear program up to the early 2000s, citing unresolved evidence from sites like Turquzabad, Varamin, and Marivan, where manmade uranium was detected. Another site, Lavisan-Shian, was destroyed before inspections.

These findings could prompt European nations to consider restoring sanctions lifted under the 2015 deal, which expires in October.

Despite speculation, Iranian officials insist no nuclear deal is imminent unless it guarantees sanction relief and preserves Iran’s nuclear activities. Meanwhile, Trump has told Netanyahu to hold off on any action, allowing time for diplomacy.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated, “Trump has made it clear that Iran can never obtain a nuclear bomb,” adding that a proposal has been sent to Tehran. “It’s in their best interest to accept it.”