Increase in Iran's High-Enriched Uranium Stockpile... Growing Concerns Over Nuclear Proliferation

IAEA Report
Consultations Suspended After President Raisi's Death

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) announced on the 27th (local time) that Iran, which is under U.S. economic sanctions, has recently increased its stockpile of highly enriched uranium. Following the death of former Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, practical negotiations on nuclear inspections have also been suspended, raising concerns about nuclear proliferation.

According to foreign media including the AP News, the IAEA reported in its report on the same day that Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium was 142.1 kg as of the 11th. This is an increase of 20.6 kg (17%) compared to the stockpile presented in the IAEA's February report. Uranium enriched up to 60% can typically be used to manufacture nuclear bombs within two weeks after undergoing additional enrichment processes. Iran's total enriched uranium stockpile was 6,201.3 kg, showing an increase of 675.8 kg (12%) compared to the previous report.

Since the Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA - Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) signed in 2015 was abandoned during former President Donald Trump's administration in 2018, Iran has been increasing its stockpile of highly enriched uranium. The agreement at the time centered on lifting economic sanctions against Iran in exchange for Iran halting its nuclear weapons development efforts.

Accordingly, Iran is suspected by the international community of attempting to manufacture nuclear weapons. There have even been allegations that secret nuclear activities are underway at undeclared facilities within Iran.

Iran is known to be passive in responding to the IAEA's verification requests. The IAEA explained, "We requested answers regarding two locations within Iran where secret nuclear activities are believed to have taken place, including the origin of uranium particles detected at those sites, but Iran did not respond."

The IAEA also explained that practical negotiations between Iran and the IAEA have effectively been suspended since former President Raisi died in a helicopter crash on the 19th. The report pointed out, "If Iran does not comply with the IAEA's requests, it is impossible to confirm Iran's declaration that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes," and added, "Since Iran removed surveillance cameras at nuclear facilities in June 2022, there has been no progress on reinstalling the equipment."