Iran has dramatically increased its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, nearing weapons-grade levels, according to a confidential report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Iranian officials continue to assert that their country will not pursue nuclear weapon development citing religious prohibitions as the reason. Fox News + 9 CBS News +9 AP News. Iran had approximately 408.6 kilograms of 60%-enriched uranium as of May 17, which represents an almost 50% increase since February and could, if further refined to 90% purity, produce multiple nuclear weapons. The IAEA expressed “serious concern” at this development, noting that Iran is the only non-nuclear weapon state producing such material (sources include The Washington Post, AP News, CBS News and Reuters) Responding to the IAEA report, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reiterated Tehran’s opposition to nuclear weapons as unacceptable and maintained that Iran’s nuclear program is intended solely for peaceful uses in accordance with an Ayatollah Ali Khamenei fatwa prohibiting their development or use under Islamic law. New York Post +2, BBC +2,The Defense Post (+2). Wikipedia However, the IAEA also expressed disappointment with Iran’s cooperation, calling it less than satisfactory when unexplained nuclear material was discovered at undeclared sites – further heightening international scrutiny over Iran’s true nature as an active nuclear state. These findings have given rise to additional suspicion regarding Iran’s activities. These developments sparked concern that Iranian officials might use nuclear technology for weaponization activities without official certification by international agencies like IAEA. Initially IAEA officials found no explanation as to where such nuclear material could come from before they became clear on November 11th 18th 2018 + L’Orient Today +3. U.S. and Iran officials have engaged in multiple rounds of negotiations aimed at reinvigorating their 2015 nuclear agreement known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). While discussions continue, significant disagreements persist, particularly regarding levels of uranium enrichment; Iran insists on its right to enrich for peaceful uses whereas U.S. lawmakers demand an immediate cessation. Washington Post RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued an urgent plea for international intervention, alleging that Iran’s high level of uranium enrichment lacks civilian justification and indicates a desire for nuclear weapons development. Netanyahu indicated Israel may take unilateral actions if necessary in order to prevent Iran from attaining nuclear capabilities. European powers have begun considering declaring Iran in breach of its nonproliferation obligations, potentially leading to UN sanctions being reinstated against them and potentially further escalate tensions and hamper diplomatic efforts underway. An IAEA report has caused much debate in Europe as to the possible next steps after declaring this compliance failed; discussions regarding declaring noncompliance have led European powers to contemplate declaring noncompliance as noncompliant and thus potentially leading to renewed UN sanctions, further inflaming tensions while undermining diplomatic efforts underway (El Pais/WSJ/Reuters/El Pais/WSJ +2/3/4/7/8; see El Pais/WSJ/2 for reference). As the international community grapples with these developments, their implications demonstrate the difficulty in reconciling non-proliferation objectives with diplomatic engagement. Over the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether a peaceful resolution can be found or whether regional instability worsens further.
