Fact Check: "Iran has enriched uranium to 60% purity, close to weapons-grade levels."
What We Know
Iran has indeed enriched uranium to 60% purity, which is a significant concern in the context of nuclear proliferation. According to a report from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), as of February 8, 2025, Iran possessed approximately 274.8 kilograms (605.8 pounds) of uranium enriched to this level, marking an increase of 92.5 kilograms since the previous report in November 2024 (AP News). This enrichment level is just below the weapons-grade threshold of 90%, and the IAEA has indicated that around 42 kilograms of 60% enriched uranium could theoretically be enough to produce one atomic bomb if further enriched (AP News).
Furthermore, a more recent report from the IAEA noted that Iran's stockpile of uranium enriched to 60% purity had risen to over 400 kilograms, representing a near 50% increase within three months (BBC). This level of enrichment is unprecedented for a non-nuclear-armed state and raises alarms about Iran's potential capabilities to develop nuclear weapons.
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim that Iran has enriched uranium to 60% purity is robust, coming from credible sources such as the IAEA, which is the international authority on nuclear oversight. The reports from the IAEA are confidential but have been verified by multiple outlets, including the Associated Press and the BBC, which adds to their reliability. The IAEA's Director General, Rafael Grossi, has expressed serious concern over Iran's increased production of highly enriched uranium, indicating that it poses a significant risk of nuclear proliferation (BBC).
Critically, while Iran maintains that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, the IAEA has stated it cannot verify this claim due to Iran's lack of cooperation with inspections and its refusal to allow access to certain sites (BBC). This lack of transparency raises questions about Iran's intentions and whether it is indeed pursuing a weapons program.
Additionally, U.S. intelligence assessments suggest that Iran has not yet initiated a formal weapons program but has undertaken activities that position it to produce a nuclear device if it chooses to do so (AP News). This nuanced view highlights the complexity of the situation, where Iran's actions could be interpreted in multiple ways depending on the geopolitical context.
Conclusion
The claim that "Iran has enriched uranium to 60% purity, close to weapons-grade levels" is True. The evidence from reliable sources, including the IAEA, confirms that Iran has significantly increased its stockpile of uranium enriched to this level, raising serious concerns about its potential to develop nuclear weapons. The ongoing lack of transparency and cooperation from Iran further complicates the situation, making it imperative for the international community to monitor developments closely.
