Latest news with #US-Iran
Shafaq News
an hour ago
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Classified IAEA report: Iran's uranium stockpile surges toward weapons grade
Shafaq News/ Iran has sharply increased its stockpile of enriched uranium, nearing weapons-grade levels, according to a confidential International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) report obtained by Western media. As of May 17, Tehran held 408.6 kilograms of 60%-enriched uranium—an increase of 133.8 kilograms since February. That rate more than doubles the previous quarter's growth and brings Iran closer to the 90% enrichment threshold required for nuclear weapons. The IAEA flagged the development as a 'major proliferation risk,' noting Iran remains the only non-nuclear-armed state enriching uranium to this level. Inspectors also criticized Tehran for obstructing probes into uranium traces found at three undeclared sites—Lavisan-Shian, Varamin, and Turquzabad—suspected of housing a covert weapons program that ran into the early 2000s. The report accused Iran of blocking access and possibly sanitizing those sites to conceal past nuclear work. These findings come ahead of the IAEA Board of Governors meeting on June 9, where Western nations are expected to push for formal censure—potentially the first since 2005. Diplomats warned that such action could deepen tensions and derail indirect US-Iran talks aimed at containing the nuclear program. The US, UK, France, and Germany have repeatedly urged Iran to restore full transparency, grant inspectors access, and explain the origin of the undeclared uranium. While both the IAEA and US intelligence assess that Iran suspended its weapons program in 2003, the report has reignited concerns that some elements may have resumed in secret. Iran continues to insist its nuclear activities are peaceful. However, it has reportedly accelerated enrichment and barred key IAEA personnel in response to growing scrutiny. The agency now estimates Tehran has enough 60% enriched uranium to produce up to six nuclear warheads if fully refined.
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
Iran significantly growing uranium stockpile, warns UN nuclear agency
Iran has further stepped up its production of highly enriched uranium, according to the UN nuclear watchdog. In a confidential report seen by the BBC, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said Iran now possesses over 400kg of uranium enriched to 60% purity - well above the level used for civilian purposes and close to weapons grade, and a near 50% increase in three months. It is enough for about 10 nuclear weapons if further refined, making Iran the only non nuclear-armed state producing uranium at this level. Iran has long said its programme is peaceful. But the IAEA said it could not confirm whether it remains so. Iran has produced highly enriched uranium at a rate equivalent to roughly one nuclear weapon per month over the past three months during the ongoing nuclear negotiations between Tehran and Washington. "The significantly increased production and accumulation of highly enriched uranium by Iran... is of serious concern," said IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi. Following the IAEA report, Israel on Saturday accused Iran of being "totally determined" to acquire nuclear weapons. "Such a level of enrichment exists only in countries actively pursuing nuclear weapons and has no civilian justification whatsoever," a statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded that Tehran considers nuclear weapons "unacceptable". "If the issue is nuclear weapons, yes, we too consider this type of weapon unacceptable," Araghchi, Iran's lead negotiator in the US-Iran talks, said in a televised speech. "We agree with them on this issue." What is Iran's nuclear programme and what does the US want? Iran's uranium enrichment 'worrisome' - nuclear watchdog Can Trump convince Iran to ditch its nuclear programme? US officials estimate that, if Iran chooses to pursue a weapon, it could produce weapons-grade material in less than two weeks and potentially build a bomb within months. The IAEA's latest assessment, longer and more comprehensive than usual, also details troubling findings about Iran's past nuclear work. It concluded that Tehran conducted undeclared nuclear activities at three previously unknown sites: Lavisan-Shian, Varamin and Turquzabad. Despite ongoing negotiations between Tehran and Washington over a potential new nuclear deal, the report offered no indication that Iran has slowed its enrichment efforts. Talks have been under way since April, with both sides expressing optimism but remaining divided over key issues - chief among them, whether Iran can continue enrichment under any future agreement. Iran insists its nuclear programme is entirely peaceful and has long denied accusations it is seeking to develop nuclear weapons. However, the IAEA stated that it "cannot verify" this, citing Iran's refusal to grant access to senior inspectors and its failure to answer longstanding questions about its nuclear history. In recent months, two of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's advisors - Ali Larijani and Kamal Kharazi - have suggested Iran might reconsider its long-standing position against building nuclear weapons if international pressure intensifies. Such statements have raised alarm among Western diplomats, who fear Iran is edging closer to becoming a nuclear threshold state. The IAEA board is expected to meet in the coming days to discuss next steps, amid mounting international pressure on Tehran to fully cooperate with inspections and return to compliance with nuclear non-proliferation norms. The report is likely to lead to Iran being referred to the UN Security Council, though that would probably happen at a later IAEA board meeting, diplomats told the Reuters news agency. What is Iran's nuclear programme and what does the US want? Can Trump convince Iran to ditch its nuclear programme? US to hold direct nuclear talks with Iran, Trump says
News18
5 hours ago
- Business
- News18
Iran Increases Near Weapons-Grade Uranium Stockpile Despite US Efforts To Reach Nuclear Deal
Last Updated: Iran increased production of enriched uranium despite ongoing talks over a nuclear deal with the US, which has threatened to bomb Tehran's nuclear facilities if diplomacy fails. Iran has further increased its stockpile of uranium enriched to near weapons-grade levels, according to a confidential report by the UN nuclear watchdog on Saturday, despite Tehran holding several rounds of talks with the Trump administration in the US over a possible nuclear deal. The report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which was seen by The Associated Press, said Iran has amassed 408.6 kg of uranium enriched up to 60% – an increase of 133.8 kg since the agency's last report in February. Iran's total amount of enriched uranium now exceeds 45 times the limit authorised by the 2015 agreement with world powers, and is estimated at 9,247.6 kg. The IAEA has called on Iran to urgently change course and comply with its probe. IAEA Director-General Rafael Mariano Grossi has stressed repeatedly that 'Iran is the only non-nuclear weapon state enriching to this level". He reiterated his urgent call upon Iran to 'cooperate fully and effectively" with the nuclear body. Trump Says 'Very Close' To US-Iran Deal This came a day after US President Donald Trump said Washington was 'fairly close" to reaching a nuclear deal with Iran, even as senior Iranian officials earlier dismissed speculation about an imminent nuclear deal with the United States, emphasising that any agreement must fully lift sanctions and allow the country's nuclear program to continue. 'I think we have a chance of making a deal with Iran," said Trump at the Oval Office. 'They don't want to be blown up. They would rather make a deal, and I think that could happen in the not-too-distant future." Trump reiterated that Iran having a nuclear weapon was unacceptable. Trump had repeatedly threatened to bomb Iran's nuclear facilities if both sides failed to reach a resolution over a decades-long dispute over Tehran's controversial nuclear programme. Iranian officials said Trump's threat was a 'red line" and would have severe consequences. Earlier, Trump said he had asked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to delay any military action against Iran, as Washington continues efforts to negotiate a new nuclear deal with Tehran. 'I told him this would be inappropriate to do right now because we're very close to a solution," he told reporters on Wednesday. Israel had rejected a New York Times report claiming Netanyahu threatened to disrupt US-Iran nuclear talks by targeting Iran's main enrichment facilities. Netanyahu's office responded with a brief statement calling the report 'Fake news". Israel Slams Iran Meanwhile, Israel on Saturday accused Iran of being 'totally determined" to acquire nuclear weapons after the IAEA report was released today. 'Such a level of enrichment exists only in countries actively pursuing nuclear weapons and has no civilian justification whatsoever," a statement from Netanyahu's office said. Iran has held five rounds of talks with the United States in search of a new agreement to replace the deal with major powers that Trump abandoned during his first term in 2018. In his second term, Trump adopted a 'maximum pressure" policy and reimposed sweeping sanctions on Tehran. (with agency inputs) First Published: May 31, 2025, 19:52 IST
NDTV
6 hours ago
- Business
- NDTV
Iran Has Increased Production Of Near Weapons-Grade Uranium: UN Watchdog
Quick Read Summary is AI generated, newsroom reviewed. The IAEA's report indicates Iran's uranium stockpile enriched to 60% has risen to 408.6 kg, raising concerns amid US-Iran nuclear deal talks. Iranian officials deny imminent agreements, while Trump remains optimistic about a potential deal without conflict. The International Atomic Energy Agency's confidential report reveals that Iran's stockpile of uranium enriched to near weapons-grade levels has seen a significant surge. As of May 17, the country amassed 408.6 kilograms of uranium enriched up to 60%, marking an increase of 133.8 kilograms since the agency's last report in February. This development comes at a sensitive time especially with the ongoing talks between Tehran and Washington over a possible nuclear deal. The IAEA Director-General, Rafael Mariano Grossi, has expressed his concerns, stating that Iran is the only non-nuclear weapon state enriching to this level. He urges Tehran to cooperate fully and effectively with the agency. Meanwhile, senior Iranian officials have dismissed speculation about an imminent nuclear deal with the United States, emphasising that any agreement must fully lift sanctions and allow the country's nuclear program to continue. However, Trump said on Friday that he still thinks a deal could be completed in the 'not too distant future.' US President Donald Trump has expressed optimism about reaching a deal, stating that Iran would rather make a deal than face potential conflict. Trump said, "They don't want to be blown up. They would rather make a deal... That would be a great thing that we could have a deal without bombs being dropped all over the Middle East." Trump has also warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to not carry out preemptive strikes on Iran's nuclear program while the talks are still ongoing.
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
6 hours ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Iran growing uranium stockpile to weapons-grade levels: UN nuclear watchdog
Iran has expanded its stockpile of uranium enriched close to weapons-grade levels, according to a confidential report from the UN nuclear watchdog. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) urged Tehran to immediately change direction and cooperate with its ongoing investigation. The report, accessed by The Associated Press and compiled by the Vienna-based IAEA, revealed that as of May 17, Iran had accumulated 408.6 kgs of uranium enriched up to 60 per cent. This is an increase of 133.8 kgs since the last report in February, which had recorded a total of 274.8 kgs. Uranium enriched to 60 per cent is only a short technical step away from weapons-grade material, which is enriched to 90 per cent. IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi has repeatedly pointed out that Iran is the only country without nuclear weapons that is enriching uranium to such a high level. On Saturday, Grossi again called on Iran to work with the IAEA. 'He reiterates his urgent call upon Iran to cooperate fully and effectively with the IAEA,' the report said. Tensions amid US-Iran talks The timing of the report is significant, as Iran and the United States have been engaged in several rounds of talks about a possible nuclear agreement — an effort being pursued by US President Donald Trump. On Thursday (May 29), top Iranian officials rejected speculation about a near-term agreement with Washington. They stressed that any deal must include the full removal of sanctions and allow the continuation of Iran's nuclear programme. Trump still hopeful for agreement Trump said on Friday that he believes a deal is still possible soon. 'They don't want to be blown up. They would rather make a deal,' Trump said, referring to 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 also mentioned that he had advised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to hold off on attacking Iran's nuclear facilities while talks are ongoing.
