Iran increases production of enriched uranium at higher levels, deemed nuclear weapons as unacceptable by them.
Increased Uranium Enrichment in Iran Renews Nuclear Tensions
Iran has resumed its production of highly enriched uranium at an accelerated pace, according to a confidential report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), as surveyed by AFP on Saturday, May 31. The agency revealed a significant surge in the accumulation of uranium enriched to 60%, nearing the 90% level required for nuclear weapon creation.
As of May 17, the total stockpile stood at 408.6 kg, an increase of 133.8 kg over the previous three months, exceeding the 92 kg increase documented in the preceding period. The IAEA expressed concern about the escalating production and accumulation of highly enriched uranium by Iran, the only non-nuclear-weapon state manufacturing such nuclear material.
Countries like the United States and Israel, an adversary of Iran, suspect Tehran of pursuing nuclear weapon acquisition. The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed their concern on Saturday, stating, "Despite numerous warnings from the international community, Iran persists in advancing its nuclear arsenal program."
Discussions between Washington and Tehran have been underway for several weeks, aiming to reach an agreement to halt the nuclear escalation. However, they are currently at an impasse concerning uranium enrichment, with the U.S. demanding Iran abandon the practice entirely, and Tehran insisting on its right to nuclear civilian capabilities.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi addressed the issue during a televised speech on Saturday, expressing that while Iran agrees with the U.S. on the unacceptability of nuclear weapons, it will maintain its nuclear civilian capabilities. The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs also accused the agency of writing the report for political purposes, relying on unreliable and misleading information sources provided by the Israeli regime. Additionally, Araghchi mentioned that he had received "elements" of an American proposal for a possible nuclear agreement.
Negotiations have entered their fifth round, with both sides aiming to establish a "basic agreement" outlining the essential principles before progressing. Although Iran and the U.S. are targeting a "political framework text" ahead of the next IAEA Board of Governors meeting on June 9–10, 2025, no confirmed agreement has been reached yet. Both sides remain committed to further discussions.
In related developments, the U.S. has put forth new proposals in the ongoing negotiations, including the creation of a regional consortium for uranium enrichment under IAEA and U.S. supervision or the possibility of U.S. recognition of Iran’s right to enrich uranium provided that Iran fully suspends enrichment activities as part of the agreement. However, these proposals have been rejected by the Iranian side, creating a fundamental roadblock for a deal to be reached. Negotiations will likely continue in the coming weeks as both sides work towards resolving this impasse.
- The increases in Iran's uranium enrichment activities have raised questions in the realm of political science, as the international community debates the long-term implications for global security and non-proliferation.
- As the nuclear tensions persist, general news outlets continue to report on medical-conditions related to radiation exposure, highlighting the potential health risks associated with the production and accumulation of highly enriched uranium.
