The IAEA is concerned about growing uranium stocks in Iran

Iran is in the headlines right now mainly because of its role in the conflict in the Middle East. Its nuclear program receives less attention. The IAEA has nothing positive to report in its latest report.

Concern about Iran’s nuclear program is growing within the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The reason for this is the continued increase in highly enriched uranium, as the head of the IAEA, Rafael Grossi, explained in a report. The inventory of this near-weapons-grade material increased by about 23 kilograms to nearly 165 kilograms between May and August.

According to experts, around 50 kilograms of 60 percent uranium would be needed for nuclear weapons. For use in nuclear weapons, it would have to be enriched a little further to a level of 90 percent. Iran officially insists it is not seeking a nuclear arsenal. However, Grossi pointed out that, apart from nuclear weapon states, no country other than Iran produces such enriched uranium.

According to the non-public report available to the German Press Agency, Iran has, as announced, put into operation a number of additional centrifuges for uranium enrichment at two locations in the past few months.

Grossi also reported that Tehran continues not to discuss open questions about past secret nuclear activities with the nuclear agency in Vienna. Since the election of Iran’s new President Massoud Peseschkian at the beginning of July, no negotiations have taken place, Grossi reported. In addition, Tehran is sticking to its decision not to allow experienced IAEA inspectors to enter the country.

In 2015, Iran committed to significantly limiting its nuclear program in an agreement. In return, Western sanctions should be lifted. But then US President Donald Trump withdrew from the agreement in 2018. In return, Iran restarted its nuclear facilities and severely limited IAEA inspections.