Iran raises uranium stockpile to near weapons-grade levels before Israeli strike

Iran has been increasing its stockpile of enriched uranium, according to a confidential report from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). As of June 13, 2025, Iran possessed 440.9 kilograms of uranium enriched up to 60%, a significant rise of 32.3 kilograms since the agency's previous report in May. This level of enrichment is dangerously close to the 90% threshold considered weapons-grade. The increase was recorded right before Israel launched a military attack, raising international concerns about Iran's nuclear intentions. In addition to the uranium stockpile increase, the report highlighted that Iran and the IAEA had not made progress in resuming inspections of sites that were affected by Israeli and U.S. bombing earlier in June. The only site inspected since the onset of hostilities has been the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, which operates with assistance from Russia. Director General Rafael Grossi stressed the importance of reaching a consensus on the technical modalities that would allow for full resumption of inspections, emphasizing that delays could lead to further complications. Concerns have been raised about Iran's decision to withdraw cooperation from the IAEA following the war's outbreak, a move Grossi deemed 'deeply regrettable.' Furthermore, the report indicated that the IAEA has been unable to verify Iran's near bomb-grade stockpile for over two and a half months due to security issues. As of June 13, Iran's total enriched uranium stockpile reached nearly 9,875 kilograms, indicating a considerable increase, which could heighten tensions in international relations. The implications of this stockpile raise alarms about nuclear proliferation and regional security, leading to calls for renewed negotiations and inspecting protocols to ensure compliance with international agreements regarding nuclear activity.