To counter Iran's expanding nuclear capabilities, the Trump administration reintroduced maximum pressure on Tehran earlier this month.
While Iran and its regional proxies may be embattled on multiple fronts, the regime continues to pour resources into advancing its nuclear ambitions. A report published by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) this week disclosed how Tehran is specifically fast-tracking the production of near weapons-grade uranium, The Caspian Post reports citing The National Interest.
According to the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog’s report, Iran has just over 600 pounds of uranium enriched up to 60 percent. This constitutes an increase of nearly 204 pounds since the IAEA’s previous report in November. “The significantly increased production and accumulation of highly enriched uranium by Iran, the only non-nuclear weapon state to produce such nuclear material, is of serious concern,” the IAEA said in one passage. Based on expert opinion, the amount of uranium fielded by Iran is enough for six nuclear bombs if enriched further.
What the IAEA says about Iran’s nuclear aims
Although the Iranian regime has long claimed that its nuclear-related endeavors are purely peaceful and for civilian purposes, the nation’s frequent violations of IAEA guidelines and hostile rhetoric suggest otherwise. Over the last few years, Iran has drastically reduced what experts refer to as a “nuclear breakout time,” which translates to the amount of time the nation would require to enrich its stockpiles of enriched uranium to 90 percent, which is weapons-grade. To then achieve a fully functioning nuclear arsenal, Tehran must also obtain the technology and materials needed to build the core of the weapon and to attach it to the warhead of a missile.
The IAEA report detailed numerous alarming updates to Iran’s nuclear progress. It verified that Tehran had increased the number of cascades of advanced centrifuges that enrich uranium from twelve to twenty-seven at its underground nuclear plant in Natanz, the Associated Press reported.
How is the United States responding?
To confront Iran’s growing nuclear capabilities, the second Trump administration restored maximum pressure on the Islamic Republic earlier this month. In a National Security Presidential Memorandum (NSPM), paths to halting Tehran’s malign influence abroad were detailed and signed by the president.
During his first administration, Trump withdrew from the Obama-era Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), otherwise referred to as the “Iran Deal.” The Trump team cited the regime’s copious agreement violations, refusal to allow the IAEA to inspect military facilities that were suspected of containing nuclear-related operations, and expansion of its ballistic and cruise missile development programs as impetus for the departure.
In response to Washington’s recently announced sanctions on Tehran, Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed the possibility of direct talks with the United States surrounding its nuclear program. While the United States certainly remains a top adversary for the regime, Iran has increasingly leaned on China and Russia for support as all three countries are opposed to the United States.
