Iran has significantly increased its uranium stockpile enriched close to weapons-grade. A report by the UN nuclear watchdog revealed this on Saturday. Moreover, the report urged Iran to cooperate with investigations and change its current course.

Uranium Enrichment Rises Sharply

According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), as of May 17, Iran had 408.6 kilograms of uranium enriched up to 60% purity. This level is just below the 90% needed for weapons-grade material. Previously, in February, the agency recorded only 274.8 kilograms. Therefore, Iran increased its stockpile by 133.8 kilograms within three months.

Diplomatic Talks Ongoing

Meanwhile, Iran and the United States have been holding several rounds of talks to reach a new nuclear deal. Former U.S. President Donald Trump has been pushing to finalize an agreement. These talks are taking place despite the rising nuclear concerns.

IAEA Issues Warning

The IAEA, based in Vienna, shared its findings ahead of its Board of Governors meeting on June 9. One of its upcoming reports will assess Iran’s cooperation since a November resolution. Diplomats expect that assessment to be highly critical.

In fact, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi warned that Iran is the only non-nuclear state enriching uranium to such high levels. Once again, he urged Tehran to “fully and meaningfully engage” with the agency.

Western Powers Demand Action

Furthermore, the United States, Britain, France, and Germany — known as the E3 — reminded Iran of previous IAEA resolutions. They asked Iran to urgently explain the uranium traces found at undeclared sites.

Iran Denies Deal Is Close

However, Iranian officials dismissed any reports of an imminent agreement with the U.S. on Thursday. They insisted that any deal must remove all sanctions and allow Iran to keep its nuclear program.

Trump Cautions Israel

Additionally, Donald Trump revealed that he had asked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to take military action against Iran. He said this was necessary to give diplomacy a chance. On Friday, Trump said he remained hopeful.

“They don’t want to be blown up. They would rather make a deal,” Trump said. He also added, “That would be a great thing that we could have a deal without bombs being dropped all over the Middle East.”

Finally, Trump confirmed he warned Netanyahu against striking Iran while talks continue.