Iran's Nuclear Program Overview

Iran's Nuclear Program and International Relations

• Western officials deem Iran's uranium reduction claims a negotiation tactic, not genuine.
• March 2023 IAEA meeting in Vienna saw increasing concerns about Iran's intentions.
• Iran's public statements about nuclear weapon production raise concerns.
• Iran's cooperation with IAEA inspections has deteriorated recently.
• Iran's uranium stockpile, now 5,525 kg, exceeds international agreement limits (4,486 kg) by a significant margin.
• There are concerns about undeclared Iranian nuclear sites.
• Iranian officials deny nuclear weapons ambition, but comments from some in the political class are concerning.
• Iranian enriched uranium stockpiles have recently increased substantially, potentially enough for multiple warheads.

Recent Developments in Iranian Nuclear Activities

• Iran's nuclear enrichment level, now at 60%, is closer to weapons-grade.
• Iran's production of 60% enriched uranium has recently slowed down from a surge last year.
• Iran withdrew credentials from multiple IAEA inspectors (French and German).
• IAEA Director-General Grossi expressed concern and regret over credential revocation.
• Iran invited Grossi for a May visit to Tehran.
• Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant warned that Iran has enough uranium for five nuclear warheads.
• Iranian uranium stockpiles remain high. Current quantities include 712 kg of 20 percent enriched uranium, 121 kg at 60 percent.

International Negotiations and Sanctions

• Nuclear diplomacy with Iran is currently stalled, awaiting US presidential election outcomes.
• The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) agreement, which limited Iran’s nuclear program, has been abandoned by the US and Iran.
• Negotiations to revive the JCPOA have been stalled since August 2022, influenced by ongoing tensions.
• The US has not fully implemented sanctions on Iran despite the country's growing nuclear capabilities.
• Robert Greenway, former NSC director, warned that Iran might conduct nuclear weapon tests by the end of the year.