Fact Check: "Iran could quickly enrich uranium to weapons-grade levels with existing stockpile."
What We Know
Recent reports from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) indicate that Iran has significantly increased its stockpile of uranium enriched to levels close to weapons-grade. As of May 17, 2025, Iran possessed approximately 408.6 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60% purity, which is a critical threshold just below the 90% purity required for weapons-grade material. This represents an increase of nearly 50% from the previous report in February, which noted a stockpile of 274.8 kilograms (AP News, BBC). The IAEA has stated that approximately 42 kilograms of 60% enriched uranium is theoretically sufficient to produce one nuclear bomb if further enriched to 90% (AP News).
The IAEA's Director General, Rafael Mariano Grossi, has expressed serious concerns about Iran's nuclear activities, noting that Iran is the only non-nuclear-weapon state producing uranium at this level. He warned that Iran could produce enough weapons-grade material to create several nuclear bombs if it chose to do so (AP News, BBC). U.S. intelligence assessments support this, suggesting that if Iran decided to pursue a nuclear weapon, it could produce weapons-grade material in less than two weeks and potentially build a bomb within months (BBC).
Analysis
The claim that Iran could quickly enrich uranium to weapons-grade levels is substantiated by multiple credible sources, including the IAEA and U.S. intelligence assessments. The IAEA's reports are based on rigorous monitoring and inspections, although Iran has criticized the agency for alleged bias and lack of updated information (AP News). The agency's findings are generally regarded as reliable, given its role as the international authority on nuclear non-proliferation.
However, Iran maintains that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes and has repeatedly denied any intention to develop nuclear weapons. Iranian officials have publicly stated that nuclear weapons are unacceptable and have emphasized their right to a peaceful nuclear program under international law (AP News, BBC). Despite these assertions, the rapid increase in enriched uranium stockpiles raises significant concerns among international observers, particularly given the historical context of Iran's nuclear activities.
The credibility of the sources reporting on this issue is high, particularly the IAEA and established news organizations like the AP and BBC, which have extensive experience in reporting on international affairs and nuclear issues. The potential for bias exists in Iranian state responses, which may downplay the severity of the situation to maintain a favorable public image and support for its nuclear program.
Conclusion
The claim that "Iran could quickly enrich uranium to weapons-grade levels with existing stockpile" is True. The evidence from the IAEA and U.S. intelligence indicates that Iran has amassed a significant quantity of uranium enriched to levels that are dangerously close to weapons-grade. The technical capability and existing stockpile suggest that Iran could rapidly produce nuclear weapons if it chose to pursue that path.
