UN watchdog raises alarm as Iran expands stockpile of near weapons-grade uranium

Iran has significantly expanded its stockpile of uranium enriched close to weapons-grade levels, according to a confidential report by the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), seen by the Associated Press. The IAEA also urged Tehran to urgently alter its course and cooperate with the agency’s long-running investigation into its nuclear activities.

The IAEA report, released Saturday, arrives at a diplomatically delicate moment. US President Donald Trump is reportedly seeking a deal with Tehran to rein in its nuclear program, but several rounds of negotiations between the two sides have so far failed to yield a breakthrough.

According to news agency AP, the Vienna-based IAEA reported that as of May 17, Iran had amassed 408.6 kilograms (900.8 pounds) of uranium enriched up to 60 per cent. This marks an increase of 133.8 kilograms (294.9 pounds) — nearly per cent, since the agency’s previous quarterly report in February. The AP notes that “60 per cent enriched material is a short, technical step away from weapons-grade levels of 90 per cent.”