Iran Increases Uranium Stockpile Amid IAEA Concerns

Iran is facing increased diplomatic pressure as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) prepares to issue a critical statement regarding its nuclear activities. While Iran has amassed a stockpile of enriched uranium that exceeds the 2015 nuclear deal limits by over 32 times, Iranian officials have expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue and have now proposed to cap its stock of uranium enriched to 60% purity. A recent IAEA report indicates that Iran's enriched uranium stockpile has grown to 6,604.4 kilograms, with 182 kilograms enriched to 60%, just shy of weapons-grade levels. The Iranian government has indicated that it may cease further enrichment in exchange for Western powers retracting a planned censure resolution. However, the potential for escalation remains, particularly if diplomatic efforts fail. The situation continues to evolve amidst international scrutiny and sanctions that have intensified since the U.S. withdrawal from the nuclear deal in 2018.