Fact Check: IAEA Estimates Iran Has Over 400 kg of Uranium Enriched to 60%
What We Know
The claim that "IAEA estimates Iran has over 400 kg of uranium enriched to 60%" is supported by recent reports from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). As of May 17, 2025, the IAEA reported that Iran possesses 408.6 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60% purity, which is a significant increase from previous estimates of 274.8 kilograms in February 2025 (AP News, BBC). This level of enrichment is close to weapons-grade, which is defined as uranium enriched to 90% purity. The IAEA has expressed serious concern regarding this development, noting that Iran is the only non-nuclear-weapon state producing uranium at this level (AP News, BBC).
Analysis
The IAEA's reports are considered credible as they are based on rigorous monitoring and inspections of Iran's nuclear facilities. The agency's director-general, Rafael Mariano Grossi, has publicly stated that the accumulation of highly enriched uranium poses a significant risk and has called for Iran to cooperate fully with ongoing investigations (AP News). The increase in Iran's uranium stockpile is alarming, especially given that approximately 42 kilograms of 60% enriched uranium could theoretically be enough to produce one atomic bomb if further enriched (AP News).
Iran's government has denied the allegations of pursuing nuclear weapons, asserting that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes. However, the IAEA has indicated that it cannot verify this claim due to Iran's lack of transparency and refusal to grant access to certain sites (BBC). This discrepancy raises questions about the reliability of Iran's assertions and highlights the potential for bias in their statements.
In contrast, the IAEA's findings are corroborated by multiple reputable sources, including major news outlets like the Associated Press and the BBC, which have reported on the agency's assessments and the implications for international security (AP News, BBC). The consistency of these reports across various independent sources lends credibility to the IAEA's estimates.
Conclusion
The claim that "IAEA estimates Iran has over 400 kg of uranium enriched to 60%" is True. The evidence from the IAEA's reports clearly indicates that Iran has indeed amassed 408.6 kilograms of uranium enriched to this level, which is a significant increase and poses serious concerns regarding nuclear proliferation.
