A confidential report by the U.N. nuclear watchdog revealed that Iran has further expanded its stockpile of uranium, enriching it to levels alarmingly close to weapons-grade. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has urged Tehran to urgently reverse its course and fully cooperate wiht the agency’s ongoing investigation.

According to the report, which was reviewed, as of May 17, Iran’s reserves included 408.6 kilograms (900.8 pounds) of uranium enriched up to 60%. This marks a meaningful increase of 133.8 kilograms (294.9 pounds) – nearly 50% – since the IAEA’s previous assessment in February. Uranium enriched to 60% is a short technical leap from the 90% required for weapons-grade material.

The IAEA report has triggered serious concerns, stating that Iran is “the only non-nuclear-weapon state to produce such material.” The agency estimates that approximately 42 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60% is theoretically sufficient to create an atomic bomb if enriched to 90%.

The quarterly IAEA report also indicated that as of May 17, Iran’s total enriched uranium stockpile, including lower levels, reached 9,247.6 kilograms (20,387.4 pounds), an increase of 953.2 kilograms (2,101.4 pounds) since February.

While Iran insists its nuclear program is solely for peaceful purposes, IAEA chief Rafael Mariano Grossi has cautioned that Tehran possesses enough enriched uranium to potentially manufacture “several” nuclear bombs should it choose to do so.

U.S. intelligence agencies have assessed that iran has not yet initiated a weapons program but has “undertaken activities that better position it to produce a nuclear device, if it chooses to do so.”

Iran’s Response

In a joint statement, Iran’s Foreign Ministry and the atomic Energy Institution of Iran criticized the IAEA report, alleging it was based on “unreliable and differing details sources” and accusing the agency of bias and a lack of updated information.

“The Islamic republic of Iran expresses its disappointment about the report…and expresses its obvious objection about its content.”

The statement reiterated that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has issued a religious decree against nuclear weapons as part of the country’s defense strategy. Though, Iran maintains its right to a peaceful nuclear program, including uranium enrichment, under international law, asserting that its enrichment activities are subject to “transparent” IAEA monitoring, a claim the IAEA disputes.

The Iranian statement also accused the IAEA of ignoring the U.S.’s 2018 withdrawal from the nuclear deal.

Omani Foreign minister Badr al-Busaidi, mediating U.S.-Iran discussions, was in 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 fifth round of talks concluded with “some but not conclusive progress,” according to al-Busaidi.

International Reactions

Israel responded to the report with a statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, calling it a “clear warning sign that ‘Iran is totally determined to complete its nuclear weapons program.'”

The statement asserted that the IAEA’s report “strongly reinforces what Israel has been saying for years – the purpose of Iran’s nuclear program is not peaceful” and that Iran’s enrichment level “has no civilian justification whatsoever,” urging the international community to “act now to stop Iran.”

IAEA’s Grossi has “reiterated his urgent call upon Iran to cooperate fully and effectively” with the IAEA’s investigation into uranium traces at several Iranian sites.

The IAEA also shared a second confidential report, detailing that Iran’s cooperation regarding uranium traces discovered by IAEA inspectors at undeclared nuclear sites has “been less than satisfactory.” Western officials suspect these traces could indicate a secret military nuclear program predating 2003.

The IAEA report says the “lack of answers and clarifications provided by Iran” regarding Lavisan-Shian,Varamin and Marivan “has led the agency to conclude that these three locations,and othre possible related locations,were part of an undeclared structured nuclear program carried out by Iran until the early 2000s and that some activities used undeclared nuclear material.”

Future Implications

The IAEA’s recent report could prompt further action by European nations,potentially escalating tensions between Iran and the West. European countries might consider triggering snap-back sanctions that were lifted under the 2015 nuclear deal before its formal expiration in October.

Senior Iranian officials have dismissed speculation about an imminent nuclear deal with the United States, insisting that any agreement must fully remove sanctions and allow Iran’s nuclear program to continue.

Former President Trump has stated he advised Netanyahu to delay striking Iran, allowing the U.S. management more time to pursue a new agreement with Tehran, expressing optimism that a deal could be reached in the “not too distant future.”