The United Nations nuclear watchdog chief is warning world leaders that Iran’s recent promise to ramp up enrichment of uranium to nuclear weapons grade levels is well underway. Rafael Grossi, the International Atomic Energy Agency Director General, said, “Iran has moved into increasing the production, enrichment of 60% sevenfold.”
Grossi added, “So, I think this is a clear indication of an acceleration. They are pressing the gas pedal.”
Grossi told reporters at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Tuesday, Jan. 21, Iran told the U.N. nuclear watchdog in December 2024 that it would rapidly increase uranium enrichment to around 90% purity.
The IAEA said about 42kg of uranium enriched to that level is enough to create one nuclear bomb.
Grossi said Iran currently has about 200 kg of uranium enriched up to 60%.
The warning from Grossi comes after French President Emmanuel Macron cautioned Western and European allies that Tehran is reaching a “point of no return” in its pursuit of nuclear-weapon-grade uranium earlier in January 2025.
Grossi called on Tehran and the Trump administration to begin talks to deter Iran from going further with its nuclear program.
It remains to be seen if President Donald Trump, who took a hardline with Iran during his first term, or Tehran will be open to a discussion.
Iran has repeatedly denied it is enriching uranium to make a nuclear weapon and claims that it is being used for peaceful purposes.
