IAEA: Iran reduced its stockpile of highly enriched uranium

Iran's stock of uranium enriched to near weapons-grade has shrunk, but the country still could produce three atom bombs

Nuclear inspectors from the IAEA reported on Monday that Iran has reduced its stockpile of highly enriched uranium by 5% since last quarter.

The report indicates that since the beginning of the year, the Iranians have mixed a total of 31.8 kilograms of uranium enriched up to 60% with less-concentrated material to achieve the reduction. As a result, Iran's stockpile of uranium enriched to 60% purity levels fell to 121.5 kilograms from 128.3 kilograms in November, the IAEA inspectors concluded.

Speaking to Reuters, a source in diplomatic circles noted that it was not clear why Iran had decided to reduce the stockpile. "Maybe they don't want to increase tensions with the West. Maybe they have an agreement with somebody. We don't know," the source said.

The IAEA notes this is the first reduction in Iranian stocks of highly enriched uranium since 2021.