New IAEA report says Iran has amassed more enriched uranium

Iran previously carried out secret nuclear activities with material not declared to the UN nuclear watchdog at three locations that have long been under investigation, the watchdog says in a wide-ranging, confidential report to member states seen by Reuters.

The International Atomic Energy Agency concludes that “these three locations, and other possible related locations, were part of an undeclared structured nuclear program carried out by Iran until the early 2000s and that some activities used undeclared nuclear material,” the “comprehensive” report requested by the IAEA’s Board of Governors in November says.

The report by the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency — which was also seen by The Associated Press — says that as of May 17, Iran has amassed 408.6 kilograms (900.8 pounds) of uranium enriched up to 60%. That’s an increase of 133.8 kilograms (294.9 pounds) since the IAEA’s last report in February.

That material is a short, technical step away from weapons-grade levels of 90%. A report in February put the stockpile at 274.8 kilograms (605.8 pounds).

The IAEA chief, Rafael Mariano Grossi, has stressed repeatedly that “Iran is the only non-nuclear weapon state enriching to this level.”

Grossi says he “reiterates his urgent call upon Iran to cooperate fully and effectively” with the IAEA.