Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium now exceeds the limit set by the 2015 nuclear accord by 30 times, as reported by the UN’s nuclear watchdog.
Amidst ongoing tensions between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) following the collapse of the 2015 agreement, which aimed to curb Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief.
Negotiations aimed at resolving the standoff over Iran’s nuclear activities were halted after the death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash on May 19. According to a confidential IAEA report, Iran postponed the planned discussions due to “special circumstances” and intends to reschedule.
The relationship between Iran and the IAEA has been strained, with Iran reducing its cooperation in recent years. This includes deactivating surveillance equipment essential for monitoring its nuclear program and barring UN inspectors.
IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi recently visited Iran in an attempt to enhance collaboration. However, he described the cooperation as “completely unsatisfactory” upon his return. A separate confidential IAEA report indicates that as of May 11, Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile had reached 6,201.3 kilograms—up 675.8 kilograms since February.
Efforts mediated by the European Union to revive the nuclear deal and bring the United States back into compliance have yet to yield results.
