IAEA concerned about further uranium enrichment by Iran

The International Atomic Energy Agency has expressed "growing concern" about the Iranian nuclear program due to an ongoing increase in highly enriched uranium.

The stockpile of near weapons-grade material increased by about 23kg to just under 165kg between May and August, IAEA chief Rafael Grossi said in a report released on Thursday.

According to experts, about 50kg of uranium enriched up to 60 per cent purity would be needed for a nuclear warhead.

For use in nuclear weapons, it would have to be enriched to a level of 90 per cent.

Iran officially insists that it is not aiming for a nuclear arsenal.

Grossi, however, has pointed out that apart from states that own nuclear weapons, no country other than Iran produces such highly enriched uranium.

According to the non-public report, which was made available to the DPA news agency, Iran has put numerous additional uranium enrichment centrifuges into operation at two sites in recent months.

Grossi also reported that Iran is still not talking to the Vienna-based nuclear authority about open questions regarding past secret nuclear activities.

Since the election of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian at the beginning of July, no talks have materialised, Grossi reported.

Iran is also sticking to its decision not to allow experienced IAEA inspectors into the country.

Iran had committed to drastically restricting its nuclear program in an agreement in 2015.

In return, international sanctions were to be lifted.

However, then-US president Donald Trump withdrew from the pact in 2018.

In return, Iran restarted its nuclear facilities and severely restricted IAEA inspections.