The Islamic Republic of Iran has increased its stockpile of near weapons-grade enriched uranium, according to a new report from the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
The report, seen by the Associated Press, says that the country has increased its stockpile of 60% enriched uranium from 121.5 kilograms to 142.1 kilograms in just the last few months.
The Foundation for the Defense of Democracies (FDD) notes that 99% of the effort required to build weapons-grade uranium happens in the phase of enriching it to 60%. The last phase, boosting it to weapons-grade enrichment levels of 90%+, makes up “the last 1% of the effort needed to produce the fuel for a nuclear weapon.” This period, known as “breakout time,” only takes 7 days.
The news comes as Iran started enriching uranium to 20% and 60% and stockpiling both after the November 2020…
