Iran’s Uranium Enrichment Hits Alarming Levels
Iran has dramatically increased its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, nearing weapons-grade levels, sparking international concern. A confidential report released by the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), revealed that as of May 17, 2025, Iran had amassed 408.6 kilograms of uranium enriched up to 60 per cent purity. This marks a significant 50 per cent increase — or 133.8 kilograms — since the IAEA’s last update in February.
Enrichment to 60 per cent is only a short technical step away from the 90 per cent purity level required for weapons-grade uranium. According to the IAEA, 42 kilograms of uranium at 60 per cent enrichment is theoretically sufficient to produce one nuclear bomb if further refined to 90 per cent.
This alarming growth puts Iran’s total enriched uranium stockpile at 9,247.6 kilograms — more than 45 times the limit set under the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the landmark nuclear agreement between Iran and world powers.
“Serious Concern” from the IAEA
IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi did not mince words, stating the situation is of “serious concern.” He reiterated that Iran is “the only non-nuclear-weapon state to produce such material.” Grossi emphasised that Iran now possesses enough uranium enriched to near-weapons-grade levels to potentially produce “several” nuclear bombs if it made that choice.
The IAEA’s quarterly report also criticised Iran’s cooperation with the agency, calling it “less than satisfactory.” In particular, Iran has failed to offer satisfactory explanations for uranium traces found at undeclared nuclear sites. This lack of transparency has led the IAEA to conclude that some of these sites were likely part of an undeclared nuclear weapons program that operated into the early 2000s.
IAEA chief Rafael Mariano Grossi addresses the media on 19 February 2025. [Credit: Yuichi Yamazaki/AFP via Getty Images]
Tehran’s Response and Denial
Iran continues to maintain that its nuclear activities are strictly for peaceful purposes. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Tehran considers nuclear weapons “unacceptable.” Despite these assurances, Iranian officials have increasingly hinted that Tehran could pursue an atomic bomb if provoked or threatened.
The latest report has reignited debates about Iran’s intentions and its past nuclear activities. The IAEA highlighted several locations — Turquzabad, Varamin, and Marivan — where manmade uranium particles were detected. The agency concluded that these and other undeclared sites may have been involved in a structured nuclear weapons program.
US-Iran Nuclear Talks Hang in the Balance
The timing of this report is critical, as it coincides with ongoing diplomatic efforts between Iran and the United States. Multiple rounds of nuclear negotiations have taken place in recent weeks, with US President Donald Trump attempting to revive a deal similar to the JCPOA.
Trump, speaking candidly, said on Friday, “They don’t want to be blown up. They would rather make a deal.” He added, “That would be a great thing that we could have a deal without bombs being dropped all over the Middle East.”
While Trump remains optimistic, senior Iranian officials dismissed rumours of an imminent agreement. They insist any deal must result in the full lifting of sanctions and allow Iran to continue its nuclear activities.
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Israel Reacts with Alarm
Israel has long viewed Iran’s nuclear ambitions as a direct threat. The Israeli Prime Minister’s office responded swiftly to the IAEA report, stating it was further proof that “Iran is totally determined to complete its nuclear weapons program.”
“Such a level of enrichment exists only in countries actively near pursuing nuclear weapons and has no civilian justification whatsoever,” read the statement. Israel has repeatedly warned near that it would not tolerate a nuclear-armed Iran and may consider military options if diplomatic efforts fail.
Trump also revealed that he had advised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to near delay any potential strikes on Iran while diplomatic negotiations are underway.
Europe and Potential Sanctions
European nations — including Britain, France, and Germany — are also closely watching the situation. The IAEA’s findings are likely to prompt discussions on triggering snap-back sanctions under the JCPOA framework. These sanctions, lifted in exchange for Iran’s compliance under the 2015 deal, could be reinstated if Iran is found to be in serious violation.
The IAEA is expected to distribute its full report to its 35-member Board of Governors ahead of their meeting on June 9, 2025. The report will detail Iran’s cooperation (or lack thereof) with the agency, including progress, or lack thereof, in clarifying the presence of uranium particles at multiple undeclared locations.
What’s Next for Iran and the West?
The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the near diplomatic path will hold or if tensions will escalate into conflict. The comprehensive IAEA report has clearly escalated near the sense of urgency surrounding Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
If Iran continues on its current path without providing transparency or halting its near enrichment, the West may resort to stronger actions, including international sanctions or coordinated pressure near from the UN Security Council. Meanwhile, regional actors like Israel may be forced to reassess their military posture.
With the 2015 deal set to expire formally in October, and tensions already at a boiling near point, the world is watching closely to see how both Tehran and Western powers respond to the growing nuclear challenge.
