VIENNA: Iran has significantly increased its stockpile of enriched uranium in recent months, further escalating its nuclear activities, according to a confidential report by the UN nuclear watchdog seen by AFP on Wednesday.
The report also highlighted progress in the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) cooperation with Iran, resulting in the closure of the file on the presence of nuclear material at one of the three previously undeclared sites, a matter that strained relations between the parties.
The report comes just ahead of the board of governors meeting of the IAEA, where the progress in addressing the remaining concerns of the watchdog will be reviewed.
The IAEA report revealed that Iran’s estimated stockpile of enriched uranium has surpassed the limit set out in the 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers by more than 23 times. As of May 13, Iran’s total stockpile was estimated to be 4,744.5 kilograms (10,459 pounds), while the limit stipulated in the 2015 agreement was 202.8 kilograms. The report also noted that Iran continues to enrich uranium to levels higher than the 3.67 percent limit specified in the deal.
Efforts to Revive Iran’s Nuclear Deal
Efforts to revive the nuclear deal, which was severely impacted by the United States’ unilateral withdrawal in 2018, have currently stalled.
The report further revealed that Iran’s stockpile of uranium enriched up to 20 percent has increased by 36.2 kilograms since the previous report in February, reaching a total of 470.9 kilograms. Additionally, the amount enriched up to 60 percent has risen by 26.6 kilograms to reach 114.1 kilograms. Enrichment levels of approximately 90 percent are necessary for the development of a nuclear weapon.
In a separate report, the IAEA announced the closure of the file concerning the presence of nuclear material at one of the previously undeclared sites, following a “possible explanation” provided by Iran. The report stated that the IAEA no longer has any outstanding questions on the matter, referring to the site in Marivan, located in the southern province of Fars. The other two sites, Varamin and Turquzabad, are still under investigation.
Iran has consistently denied any intention to develop nuclear weapons, maintaining that its nuclear activities are entirely peaceful.
