Iran increases production of near weapons-grade uranium amid heightened tensions with US: Report

Iran has increased its production of near weapons-grade uranium since President Donald Trump was reelected in November, according to a report reviewed by the Associated Press, which comes as tensions between Iran and the U.S. heat up.

The report by the International Atomic Energy Agency, which operates as the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog, found that as of Feb. 8, Iran has 274.8 kilograms (605.8 pounds) of uranium enriched up to 60%, up from 182.3 kilograms (401.9 pounds) in November.

“The significantly increased production and accumulation of high enriched uranium by Iran, the only non-nuclear weapon State to produce such nuclear material, is of serious concern,” the report noted. 

The agency said that the development is a step away from weapons-grade levels of 90%.

The new numbers come after Trump reactivated his "maximum pressure" campaign against Iran, by imposing high sanctions on Iran's oil sales. Iran has said that it will not engage in nuclear talks with the U.S. while it is facing heavy sanctions.

“Regarding the nuclear negotiations, the position of the Islamic Republic of Iran is very clear. We will not negotiate under pressure, threat or sanctions,” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tuesday.

The Trump administration has doubled down on its commitment to keep Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.

“President Trump has put the Iran Regime on notice by reimposing Maximum Pressure and is committed to ensuring the regime never gets a nuclear weapon," National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes said. "He has also made clear he is open to talks with Iran to come to an agreement that fully addresses the outstanding issues between our two countries."

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.