UN Watchdog Reveals Iran Dramatically Expanded Near-Weapons-Grade Uranium Stockpile Prior to Israeli Strike

A recent, unsettling report from the United Nations' nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has cast a fresh shadow over international efforts to curb nuclear proliferation. The agency revealed that Iran significantly expanded its stockpile of uranium enriched to 60% purity—a level alarmingly close to weapons-grade—just weeks before a retaliatory Israeli strike on Iranian soil. This development underscores growing anxieties about Tehran's nuclear ambitions and the escalating tensions in the Middle East.

According to the confidential report, circulated among IAEA member states, Iran’s reserves of uranium enriched to 60% grew by a substantial 20.6 kilograms (45.4 pounds) since the last assessment in February. This brings the total estimated stockpile to 142.7 kilograms (314.6 pounds). To put this into perspective, just 42 kilograms (92.5 pounds) of uranium enriched to 60% is theoretically enough, if further enriched to 90%, to produce a single nuclear weapon. The current quantity thus represents a critical threshold, significantly reducing the 'breakout time' Iran would need to develop a nuclear device.

The timing of this increase is particularly noteworthy. The data covers a period leading up to the April 19 Israeli counter-strike, which itself was a response to Iran's unprecedented drone and missile assault on Israel a week prior. This sequence of events paints a picture of heightened volatility and an arms race dynamic, where nuclear advancements by one party are viewed through the lens of regional conflict.

The IAEA's report also detailed the total enriched uranium stockpile, which now stands at a staggering 6,201.3 kilograms (13,671.5 pounds), an increase of 672.7 kilograms (1,483 pounds) since February. While the bulk of this is enriched to lower levels, the persistent increase in 60% enriched uranium remains the primary concern for non-proliferation experts and global powers.

Director General Rafael Grossi has repeatedly expressed his frustration over Iran's lack of cooperation with the IAEA. Tehran has not only restricted the agency's monitoring capabilities since 2021 but has also refused to grant visas to several experienced inspectors. This lack of transparency and access makes it exceedingly difficult for the international community to verify the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear program, fueling speculation and distrust.

The 2015 nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), placed stringent limits on Iran's uranium enrichment, including a cap of 3.67% purity. However, since the United States unilaterally withdrew from the agreement in 2018 and reimposed sanctions, Iran has progressively escalated its nuclear activities, consistently breaching those limits. While Iran maintains its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, such as medical isotopes and power generation, the accumulation of near-weapons-grade uranium significantly undermines these assurances and poses a grave challenge to global security.