Iran Ramps Up Uranium Enrichment, Reversing Previous Slowdown

Iran has accelerated its production of near weapons-grade uranium, according to a report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to its member states. This recent increase reverses a slowdown that began in mid-2023, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said in the report.

The report, an IAEA spokesperson said on Sunday, indicates that Iran has resumed enriching uranium to 60% purity, a level just steps away from the 90% required for weapons-grade material.

The UN’s nuclear watchdog has confirmed a significant rise in production rates at the Natanz and Fordow facilities since the end of November. This increase, from about 3 kilograms per month since June to approximately 9 kilograms per month, marks a return to Iran’s earlier production levels. Enriching uranium involves boosting the proportion of uranium-235, the uranium isotope necessary for nuclear fission.