As the Iranian regime continues to insist on high-level uranium enrichment, Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), warned on Friday, February 14, about the sharp increase in Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile. He stressed that time is running out for reviving the JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action).
Despite widespread international opposition, the Iranian government continues to enrich uranium to 60%, bringing it dangerously close to the 90% enrichment level required for nuclear weapons production.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, Grossi warned that time for reviving the JCPOA is running out but added that this does not mean it cannot be accomplished quickly.
According to Grossi, the IAEA possesses all the necessary information, but decision-making rests with the Agency’s member states.
The IAEA chief stated that Iran is in the process of increasing its monthly production of 60% enriched uranium by sevenfold. He added that by the time the Agency releases its quarterly report next month, the Iranian regime’s stockpile of 60% enriched uranium could reach 250 kilograms.
According to IAEA standards, this amount of uranium, if further enriched, would be sufficient to produce six nuclear bombs.
Grossi warned that the international community must take this issue very seriously, emphasizing that time should not be wasted. He expressed hope that the Iranian regime would once again become a focal point of global attention.
The IAEA Director General stated that he eagerly awaits the White House’s appointment of a U.S. special envoy for Iran so that discussions and consultations on the next steps regarding the Iranian regime can begin. Grossi also noted that the IAEA remains in contact with the Trump administration.
Grossi’s remarks come as U.S. President Donald Trump reinstated the “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran’s regime by signing an executive order on Tuesday, February 4.
According to this directive, maximum pressure on the Iranian regime will be reinstated, pathways to acquiring nuclear weapons will be blocked, and efforts will be made to counter the Iranian regime’s malign influence abroad.
Another section of the directive states that Donald Trump will not tolerate the Iranian regime’s possession of nuclear weapon capabilities or its continued support for terrorism, particularly against U.S. interests.
