UN Watchdog: Iran Expanded Near-Weapons-Grade Uranium Stockpile Before Israeli Strikes

by Emmitt Barry, with reporting from Worthy News Jerusalem Bureau Staff

VIENNA (Worthy News) – A confidential report by the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog has revealed that Iran expanded its stockpile of highly enriched uranium in the weeks leading up to Israel’s June 13 military strikes, raising new alarms over Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.

According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Iran held 440.9 kilograms (972 pounds) of uranium enriched up to 60% as of June 13–an increase of 32.3 kilograms since May. The report, obtained by The Associated Press, warned that roughly 42 kilograms of uranium enriched to this level could theoretically yield one nuclear weapon if further refined to 90%.

In total, Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile has now reached 9,874.9 kilograms (21,770 pounds), representing a sharp increase of over 600 kilograms in just one month.

Inspections Halted After Israeli and U.S. Strikes

The IAEA said its inspectors have not been able to verify Iran’s near bomb-grade stockpile for more than two and a half months, calling the lack of oversight “a matter of serious concern.” Only the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant–operated with Russian assistance–has been inspected since the outbreak of hostilities.

Following Israel’s June strikes on nuclear and military facilities, and subsequent U.S. bunker-buster attacks on June 22, Iran’s parliament moved to suspend all cooperation with the IAEA. Inspectors were withdrawn for security reasons, but Tehran’s refusal to allow their return was described in the report as “deeply regrettable.”

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi urged that “technical modalities to enable the full resumption of Agency inspection should be concluded without delay.”

Rising Tensions and Diplomatic Deadlock

The timing of Iran’s enrichment surge–immediately before the Israeli offensive–has intensified suspicions that Tehran was edging closer to weaponization. Israel has repeatedly warned that it will not allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons, while Iran insists its nuclear program is peaceful despite enriching uranium to levels with no civilian application.

Talks between Iranian officials and the IAEA in August produced a draft proposal under which Tehran would require case-by-case requests for inspections. However, no final agreement has been reached.

Europe Moves Toward “Snapback” Sanctions

The report comes as France, Germany, and the United Kingdom triggered the “snapback” mechanism of the 2015 nuclear deal on August 28, setting in motion the automatic reimposition of UN sanctions unless Iran returns to negotiations and grants full inspection access within 30 days.

Diplomats have said the deadline could be extended if Tehran resumes talks with Washington and allows inspectors back into key sites, but so far, Iran has not met these conditions.

A Growing Nuclear Crisis

The IAEA’s findings underscore the escalating crisis: Iran’s stockpile is climbing, inspections remain frozen, and sanctions are looming. Without urgent diplomatic progress, the Middle East may face yet another destabilizing flashpoint with global nuclear security implications.

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