Shocking New Findings Show Iran Expanding Uranium Stockpile Despite Strikes
An International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) report reveals that before Israel's military operation in June, Iran had significantly increased its stockpile of uranium enriched to near-weapons-grade levels. The report also highlights that Iran is blocking inspectors from resuming full verification activities at nuclear sites affected by Israeli and U.S. strikes.
A confidential report from the United Nations' nuclear watchdog states that as of June 13, Iran had increased its stockpile of uranium enriched to 60% purity to 440.9 kilograms. This represents an increase of 32.3 kilograms since the last IAEA report in May and is considered a critical development, as 60% enrichment is only a small technical step away from the 90% required for a nuclear weapon. The IAEA estimates that just 42 kilograms of 60% enriched uranium is enough to produce one atomic bomb if further refined.
The report also raises serious concerns about Iran's ongoing lack of cooperation with inspectors. Since the military attacks began on June 13, the IAEA has not been able to conduct "in-field activities" to verify Iran's nuclear declarations. The only site that inspectors have been able to visit is the Russian-supported Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi stated that "technical modalities to enable the full resumption of Agency inspection should be concluded without delay."
The report also noted that Iran’s total enriched uranium stockpile reached 9,874.9 kilograms as of June 13, an increase of 627.3 kilograms from the previous month. This data is based on information provided by Iran and verification activities conducted before the strikes. The agency’s inability to collect and verify information since the attacks began is a major concern, as it leaves the international community in the dark about the current state of Iran's nuclear program.
This report comes amid a period of heightened tensions. Israel's military operation in June was a targeted strike on Iranian nuclear facilities, which Israel claimed were part of a hidden nuclear weapons program. The IAEA's findings confirm that Iran was making significant progress in its enrichment activities in the lead-up to these strikes, providing more context to the a war between the two nations over Iran’s nuclear ambitions.