Growing Concerns Over Uranium Enrichment
The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi has intensified calls for Iran to provide “full transparency” regarding its nuclear activities, following revelations that Tehran has significantly expanded its stockpile of near weapons grade uranium.
A confidential IAEA report leaked ahead of Grossi’s meeting with Iranian and Egyptian officials in Cairo disclosed that Iran’s 60% enriched uranium stockpile surged by nearly 50% since February reaching 408.6 kilograms (900.8 pounds) as of May 17 a technical step away from weapons-grade levels .
Grossi’s Impartiality Amid Political Pushback
At a joint press conference with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, Grossi defended the IAEA’s findings as “impartial” and based on verified inspections despite Tehran’s accusations of political bias. “We say things as they are without a political agenda,” Grossi asserted stressing that Iran’s lack of clarity on unexplained nuclear activities undermines global confidence . Iranian officials however dismissed the report as a ploy to bolster Grossi’s candidacy for UN Secretary General with Atomic Energy Organization head Mohammad Eslami claiming the IAEA had “chosen a political attitude”
Diplomatic Stalemate and Regional Appeals
The standoff unfolds amid stalled U.S.
Iran negotiations mediated by Oman. While Iran demands guarantees for sanctions relief and insists on its right to peaceful nuclear enrichment the U.S. seeks strict limits on Tehran’s program. Egyptian Foreign Minister Abdelatty urged de escalation, warning against military options in a region already “experiencing enough crises” . Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah el Sisi separately reiterated support for a nuclear weapon free Middle East implicitly criticizing Israel’s non adherence to the Non Proliferation Treaty .
IAEA’s Urgent Warnings
The IAEA’s report highlighted Iran as the “only non nuclear weapon state” producing near weapons grade uranium a scenario of “serious concern” given Tehran’s potential capacity to develop “several nuclear bombs” if enrichment continues . Israel echoed these alarms with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu calling for immediate international action . Grossi emphasized that only “full explanations” from Iran could pave the way for a diplomatic resolution as the IAEA Board of Governors prepares to review the findings in Vienna on June 9 .
Transparency or Escalation?
As Oman shuttles between Washington and Tehran with a new U.S. proposal Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi signaled openness to a deal but only if it respects Iran’s enrichment rights. “No agreement will be accepted if it deprives Iran of peaceful nuclear activities” he declared . The IAEA’s data however underscores a narrowing window for diplomacy with Grossi warning that unresolved issues risk triggering a broader crisis .
Sources
IAEA reports, Egyptian Foreign Ministry statements
Emebet Asefa , Correspondent Addis Ababa , Ethiopia
