Iran has enough highly enriched uranium for several nuclear warheads, reports IAEA

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi condemned Iran's actions, stating that the country is undermining international efforts to scrutinize its nuclear program by accelerating the production of highly enriched uranium, which is now close to weapons-grade.

“It is a very frustrating cycle,” Grossi said. “We don’t understand why they don’t provide the necessary transparency.”

Iran continues to deny that it is developing nuclear weapons while it continues to obstruct IAEA inspections.

Grossi's statement coincided with missile strikes by Pakistan on Iranian territory on Jan. 18. The attacks targeted Baluchi separatist militants, according to Pakistan's Defense Ministry.

France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States expressed condemnation on Dec. 29 over Iran's increase in the production of highly enriched uranium to 60% purity, nearing the level needed for nuclear weapons.

Iran resumed increasing the production of highly enriched uranium, essential for nuclear weapons, according to earlier reports.

U.S. President Donald Trump in May 2018 announced the U.S. withdrawal from the nuclear deal with Iran, citing “definitive proof” that Iran, contrary to assurances, had been developing nuclear weapons. Following this, the U.S. repeatedly expanded sanctions against Iran.

After the U.S. withdrawal from the nuclear deal, Iran gradually began to abandon its commitments. Negotiations to revive the deal, which began in the spring of 2021, have reached an impasse.