Iran Expands Near Weapons-Grade Uranium Stockpile Prior to Israeli Attack, According to UN Watchdog

VIENNA (AP) — A confidential report from the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog, which was shared with member states and obtained by The Associated Press, stated on Wednesday that Iran had significantly expanded its stockpile of uranium enriched to levels close to those suitable for making weapons. The report highlighted that this expansion occurred before the Israeli attack on the country’s nuclear facilities. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has faced challenges in verifying Tehran’s stash of highly-enriched uranium for over two and a half months, primarily due to restrictions on access to specific nuclear sites. The increased stockpile raises concerns about Iran’s nuclear ambitions and the potential for weaponization of the uranium.