The latest IAEA report on Iran, “seen by The Associated Press,” says that Iran has further increased its stockpile of uranium enriched to near weapons-grade levels in defiance of international demands. According to AP, the report says that as of Aug. 17, Iran has 164.7 kg (363.1 lb) of uranium enriched up to 60%. That’s an increase of 22.6 kg since the IAEA’s last report in May. Uranium enriched up to 60% purity is just a short, technical step away from weapons-grade levels of 90%.
By IAEA’s definition, around 42 kg of uranium enriched to 60% is the amount at which creating one atomic weapon is theoretically possible—if the material is enriched further, to 90%. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, has previously warned that Tehran has enough uranium enriched to near-weapons-grade levels to make “several” nuclear bombs if it chose to do so.
