IAEA says Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile 27 times limit of 2015 deal, but less is near weapons-grade

By Agencies 26 February 2024, 6:38 pm 3 Edit

This photo released November 5, 2019, by the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran shows centrifuge machines in Natanz uranium enrichment facility near Natanz, Iran. (Atomic Energy Organization of Iran via AP, File)

The UN nuclear watchdog says that Iran’s estimated stockpile of enriched uranium had reached 27 times the limit set out in the 2015 accord between Tehran and world powers.

According to two confidential International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reports seen by news agencies, Iran’s total enriched uranium stockpile was estimated at 5,525.5 kilograms as of February 10, up by 1,038.7 kilograms from the last quarterly report in November.

However, the reports say that Iran’s stock of uranium enriched to near weapons grade has shrunk slightly as it diluted some.

Iran diluted, or downblended, 31.8 kg of uranium enriched to up to 60% to produce 97.9 kg of uranium enriched to up to 20%, one of the two quarterly International Atomic Energy Agency reports to member states seen by Reuters said.

The total stock at 60%, close to the 90% of weapons grade, was estimated to have shrunk by 6.8 kg to 121.5 kg over the quarter.

The reports also say that longstanding problems between Iran and UN inspectors are festering