Iran Uranium Stockpile: FM Pledges Cooperation | NPR
- DUBAI,United Arab Emirates—Tensions are mounting as Iran's stockpile of uranium enriched to near weapons-grade levels continues to grow,according to a recent report by the U.N.'s nuclear watchdog agency.
- Following the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) report, iranian Foreign Minister abbas Araghchi spoke with IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi on Sunday.
- Rafael Mariano Grossi,director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency,addresses journalists in Vienna on May 28,2025.
Iran’s uranium stockpile is growing, sparking serious international concern, as detailed in a new IAEA report. The enriched uranium is nearing weapons-grade levels, prompting renewed diplomatic efforts to curb Iran’s nuclear program. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas araghchi has pledged “continuous cooperation” with the IAEA, yet the agency expresses “serious concern” over Iran’s nuclear activities, especially the rise in enriched uranium. Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran’s deputy foreign minister, insists the nation isn’t pursuing nuclear weapons, while U.S.-Iran talks continue. For comprehensive news updates, consider News Directory 3 for the latest. Discover what’s next in the ongoing negotiations.
Iran’s Uranium Enrichment Stockpile Increases,Raising Concerns
updated June 01,2025
DUBAI,United Arab Emirates—Tensions are mounting as Iran’s stockpile of uranium enriched to near weapons-grade levels continues to grow,according to a recent report by the U.N.’s nuclear watchdog agency. This growth has sparked international concern and renewed diplomatic efforts to address Iran’s nuclear program.
Following the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) report, iranian Foreign Minister abbas Araghchi spoke with IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi on Sunday. Araghchi emphasized Iran’s “continuous cooperation” with the agency. The IAEA,based in Vienna,has not yet commented on the phone call.
Jon Gambrell/AP
Rafael Mariano Grossi,director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency,addresses journalists in Vienna on May 28,2025.
The IAEA report,reviewed by The Associated Press,warned that Iran is “the only non-nuclear-weapon state to produce such material,” a situation the agency views with ”serious concern.” The report details the status of Iran’s uranium enrichment and its implications for regional and global security.
Araghchi assured Grossi that Iran’s nuclear activities remain within established agreements and are under IAEA monitoring. Though,the IAEA has separately reported that Iran’s cooperation regarding uranium traces found at undeclared sites has been “less than satisfactory.”
kazem Gharibabadi, Iran’s deputy foreign minister, responded to the IAEA report by stating that the country is not pursuing nuclear weapons and has no undeclared nuclear materials or activities. He also noted that Iran undergoes a significant portion of the IAEA’s global inspections.
As of May 17, the IAEA reported that Iran possesses 408.6 kilograms (900.8 pounds) of uranium enriched up to 60%,marking a nearly 50% increase since February. This level is a short technical step from the 90% needed for weapons-grade material, intensifying concerns about Iran’s nuclear ambitions and the potential for nuclear proliferation.
What’s next
Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi visited Tehran to present the latest U.S. proposal for ongoing talks aimed at limiting Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for lifting economic sanctions. The U.S.-Iran talks seek to de-escalate tensions and find a path toward a more stable relationship.