Iran escalates enrichment of uranium, raising international concerns

Iran is significantly increasing its production of uranium enriched to 60% purity, edging closer to the 90% threshold required for weapons-grade material, according to Rafael Grossi, the chief of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

The announcement has heightened concerns among Western nations, which argue that such levels of enrichment lack a civil justification and are typically associated with nuclear weapon production - an accusation Iran denies.

Speaking at the Manama Dialogue security conference in Bahrain, Grossi revealed that Iran’s production capacity of 60% enriched uranium is set to rise substantially, reaching levels "seven to eight times" higher than the previous monthly output of 5–7 kilograms. This increase is a notable development, as Iran already possesses enough enriched material to potentially manufacture four nuclear weapons if further refined, according to IAEA standards.

The expansion undermines earlier diplomatic progress. Grossi had reported last month that Iran agreed to limit its stockpile of 60%-enriched uranium as a goodwill gesture aimed at reducing tensions. However, this agreement was contingent on the IAEA's 35-member Board of Governors refraining from passing a resolution critical of Iran’s insufficient cooperation - a condition the Board ultimately disregarded.

The move is expected to amplify alarm in Western capitals, where officials have long argued that such levels of enrichment have no peaceful applications. Iran maintains its stance that it is not pursuing nuclear weapons and asserts that its nuclear program is intended for civil purposes.