Iran Increases Uranium Stockpile, Demands Economic Relief

A United Nations’ nuclear watchdog reports that Iran has further increased its stockpile of uranium enriched to near weapons-grade levels and is seeking to have economic sanctions imposed over its nuclear program lifted in exchange for slowing the program down.

Iran has further increased its stockpile of uranium enriched to near weapons-grade levels and is seeking to have economic sanctions imposed over the Islamic nation's controversial nuclear program lifted in exchange for slowing the program down, according to a United Nations' nuclear watchdog.

A report from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) obtained by the Associated Press said that as of May 11, Iran had 313.2 pounds of uranium enriched up to 60% — an increase of 45.4 pounds since the last report by the U.N. watchdog in February. Uranium enriched at 60% purity is just a short, technical step away from weapons-grade levels of 90%.

According to the IAEA, around 92.5 pounds of uranium enriched to 60% is the amount needed to theoretically create one atomic weapon if the uranium is enriched to 90%. IAEA head Rafael Grossi has stated in the past that Iran has enough enriched uranium for "several" nuclear weapons.

The report also says that Iran’s enriched uranium supply as of May 11 was 1,3671.5 pounds, an increase of 1,489.8 pounds since the IAEA's previous report.

Tensions have grown between Iran and the IAEA since 2018, when then-President Trump withdrew the United States from the Iran nuclear deal, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. Since then, Iran has abandoned all limits the deal put on its program and quickly stepped up enrichment.

Iran has long maintained that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only, but the IAEA has repeatedly expressed concerns about the country's lack of transparency and cooperation.

In recent months, the IAEA has been engaged in talks with Iran aimed at reviving the nuclear deal. However, those talks have been stalled since April, when Iran suspended its participation following the assassination of one of its top nuclear scientists.

The IAEA's latest report is likely to further complicate those talks. The report suggests that Iran is continuing to make progress on its nuclear program, despite the international community's concerns.

It is unclear what the next steps will be for the IAEA and Iran. The agency could refer Iran to the United Nations Security Council, which could impose additional sanctions on the country. However, it is also possible that the IAEA and Iran will continue to engage in talks in an effort to find a diplomatic solution to the nuclear issue.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.