Iran’s 60% Enriched Uranium Stockpile Reaches 408.6 kg, Raising International Concerns

Iran’s 60% Enriched Uranium Stockpile Reaches 408.6 kg, Raising International Concerns

May 31, 2025

Iran’s stockpile of uranium enriched to 60% purity has reached 408.6 kilograms as of May 17, 2025, according to a confidential report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). This marks a nearly 50% increase from the 274.8 kilograms reported in February. The IAEA has expressed serious concern over this development, noting that Iran is the only non-nuclear-weapon state producing such high-level enriched uranium. 

Experts estimate that approximately 42 kilograms of 60% enriched uranium, if further refined to weapons-grade levels (around 90%), is sufficient to produce one nuclear bomb. Based on this, Iran’s current stockpile could potentially yield material for up to 10 nuclear weapons. 

The IAEA report also highlights Iran’s lack of cooperation regarding past undeclared nuclear activities at several sites, including Lavisan-Shian, Varamin, and Turquzabad. The agency has called on Tehran to urgently change course and comply with its years-long probe. 

In response, Iran has rejected the IAEA’s findings, labeling them as politically motivated. Iran maintains that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only and governed under religious decree.

The international community, including the United States and European nations, is closely monitoring the situation. Potential steps under consideration include reimposing UN sanctions and declaring Iran non-compliant with its Non-Proliferation Treaty obligations.

Sources:

• AP News
• The Wall Street Journal
• Reuters
• Indian Express