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UN Says Iran Increasing Stockpile of Near Weapons-Grade Uranium
(AP) Stephanie Liechtenstein - Iran has defied international demands to rein in its nuclear program and has increased its stockpile of uranium enriched to near weapons-grade levels, according to a confidential report by the International Atomic Energy Agency seen Tuesday. As of Oct. 26, Iran has 182.3 kg. of uranium enriched up to 60%, an increase of 17.6 kg. since August. Uranium enriched at 60% purity is just a short, technical step away from weapons-grade levels of 90%. Under the IAEA's definition, 42 kg. of uranium enriched to 60% purity is the amount at which creating one atomic weapon is theoretically possible - if the material is enriched further to 90%. U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said Tuesday, "The Iranian regime continues to amass a growing stockpile of highly enriched uranium for which there is no credible civilian purpose and they continue to not cooperate fully with the IAEA." Under the original 2015 nuclear deal, Iran was allowed to enrich uranium only up to 3.67% purity.