IAEA chief says Iran agreed to cap 60% uranium stockpile

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi says that Iran has agreed to freeze its uranium stockpile enriched to 60% following his request during recent talks in Tehran.

"I made a request for Iran to stop increasing the stockpile of 60%, and this was accepted," Grossi said in his report to the agency's Board of Governors in Vienna on Wednesday.

The IAEA chief said the agreement to freeze the 60% uranium stockpile does not imply an immediate resolution to broader concerns about Iran’s nuclear activities, however.

The agency remains unable to verify certain aspects of Iran’s program due to limited access following Tehran's cessation of its JCPOA-related commitments in early 2021.

Citing reports to the body's member states, Reuters reported that Iran has offered to cap its stock of near weapons grade nuclear fuel on condition that no censure resolution will be issued at a Wednesday meeting of the UN nuclear watchdog.

The confidential reports by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) say Tehran has made preparations to cap the stockpile at around 185 kg (407 lbs). Iran also agreed to consider accepting the appointment of four additional experienced IAEA inspectors after having banned around one third, last year.

Diplomats informed Reuters that Western powers are advocating for a censure resolution at the IAEA Board of Governors, despite Iran's reported offer. Similarly, The Wall Street Journal cited sources stating that France, Britain, and Germany (the E3) plan to proceed with the resolution during Wednesday's meeting.

In his latest report to the Board of Directors, the Director General of the IAEA said Iran's nuclear program has continued to grow, in spite of global sanctions. “Following my last report, Iran’s stockpile of uranium enriched up to 20% and up to 60% U-235 continued to increase," he said.

The report also states that the IAEA's findings regarding particles of uranium of human origin at undeclared locations in Iran remain inconsistent, and the agency requires information about the current whereabouts of the nuclear materials or related contaminated equipment.

Grossi also addressed the destruction of a covert nuclear research facility of the Islamic Republic in Parchin following an Israeli attack, stating that the IAEA does not consider this site a nuclear facility, and there is no indication of nuclear material being present there.

Grossi visited Iran’s Fordow and Natanz enrichment facilities during his recent trip.

Referring to the long and turbulent process of monitoring Iran's nuclear program, he said "It takes effort, determination, and patience."

"This is not something that will be solved overnight," Grossi added.

While exchanges between Iran and the IAEA on verification measures are ongoing, Grossi acknowledged the need for "more information from Iran" to address the concerns comprehensively.