Iran accelerates uranium production amidst rising tensions with the U.S
- As of February 8, 2025, Iran's stock of uranium enriched up to 60% has risen significantly.
- Reports indicate that Iran's total stockpile of enriched uranium has reached 8,294.4 kilograms.
- The increase in uranium enrichment efforts raises serious global concerns about nuclear proliferation.
Iran has intensified its production of uranium enriched to nearly weapons-grade levels, as reported by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Since announcing a significant acceleration in enrichment in December, Iran's stock of 60% enriched uranium has increased dramatically. As of February 8, Iran possessed 274.8 kilograms of this enriched material, a rise from 182.3 kilograms in November 2024, and up from 164.7 kilograms last August. This development is particularly alarming given that around 42 kilograms of 60% enriched uranium could potentially be used to create one atomic bomb if further enriched to 90%. The overall stockpile of enriched uranium stands at 8,294.4 kilograms, representing a 1,690.0 kilogram increase since the last report. U.S. intelligence agencies assert that while Iran has not initiated an active weapons program, it is positioning itself to do so if it decides to proceed. The situation has deteriorated as diplomatic efforts have faltered, especially following President Donald Trump's withdrawal from the nuclear deal, which imposed strict limits on Iran's nuclear activities in exchange for relief from sanctions. Tensions have heightened, particularly after the U.S. imposed sanctions targeting Iran's oil sales under a