 "Iran has amassed even more near weapons-grade uranium, UN watchdog says")
Iran has increased its stockpile of uranium enriched close to weapons-grade levels, according to a confidential report from the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog released Saturday. The report urges Tehran to reverse its course and comply with ongoing investigations by the agency.
The findings come amid sensitive diplomatic efforts, as Iran and the United States have held multiple rounds of negotiations in pursuit of a potential nuclear agreement, which US President Donald Trump is actively trying to finalise.
The report, issued by the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and obtained by The Associated Press, states that as of May 17, Iran has accumulated 408.6 kilograms (900.8 pounds) of uranium enriched up to 60% purity — just a technical step away from the 90% threshold needed for weapons-grade material. This reflects a sharp increase of 133.8 kilograms (294.9 pounds) since the agency’s previous report in February, which had recorded 274.8 kilograms (605.8 pounds).
Washington, along with its European allies — Britain, France, and Germany (the E3) — referenced earlier IAEA board resolutions on Friday, urging Iran to take immediate actions such as clarifying the origin of uranium traces found at undeclared sites.
The IAEA is preparing to distribute its quarterly reports on Iran to member states ahead of the next Board of Governors meeting set for June 9. One of those reports will offer a comprehensive assessment, including Iran’s cooperation level in line with a November board resolution. Diplomats anticipate that the findings will be strongly critical.
IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi has repeatedly warned that Iran remains the only non-nuclear weapons state enriching uranium to such high levels. On Saturday, he renewed his appeal for Tehran to fully and meaningfully engage with the agency.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsMeanwhile, Iranian officials on Thursday dismissed rumors of an imminent agreement with the U.S., insisting that any deal must result in the complete lifting of sanctions while preserving Iran’s right to continue its nuclear activities.
Their remarks came a day after President Trump revealed that he had urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to delay any military action against Iran, citing ongoing diplomatic efforts. Trump expressed optimism on Friday, stating he still believes a nuclear agreement could be reached in the “not too distant future.”
“They don’t want to be blown up. They would rather make a deal,” Trump said of Iran. He added, “That would be a great thing that we could have a deal without bombs being dropped all over the Middle East.”
Trump said he’s warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from carrying out preemptive strikes on Iran’s nuclear program, while the talks are playing out.
With inputs from agencies
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