UN atomic watchdog: Iran further raising nuclear stockpile

By EMILY SCHULTHEIS
Associated Press

VIENNA (AP) — The United Nations’ atomic watchdog says it believes that Iran has significantly increased its stockpile of highly enriched uranium in breach of a 2015 accord with world powers. The International Atomic Energy Agency told member nations in its confidential quarterly report Thursday that Iran has an estimated stock of 33.2 kilograms (73.1 pounds) of uranium enriched to up to 60% fissile purity, an increase of 15.5 kilograms since November. Such highly enriched uranium can be easily refined to make atomic weapons, which is why world powers have sought to contain Tehran’s nuclear program.