International concern over the increase of enriched uranium in Iran.

The recent accumulation of enriched uranium by Iran has raised alarms among members of the international community and, in particular, within the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). According to a confidential report from this agency, Iran has maintained a production rate of 60% enriched uranium over the past three months, which is close to the level needed for military purposes. The amount accumulated as of August 17 has reached 164.7 kilograms, representing a 16% increase since May. This increase raises serious concerns about the direction of Iran's nuclear program. The IAEA report details that between mid-May and August, Iranian technicians produced 22.6 kilograms of uranium at 60% and 62.6 kilograms at 20%. This activity takes place in a context where Iran has diluted a considerable portion of its 2% enriched uranium, leading to a decrease in its reserves of this material for atomic fuel. A 36% drop in the stocks of 2% uranium has been recorded, which now totals 1,651 kilograms. It is important to note that the manufacture of nuclear weapons requires uranium enriched to levels of 80 to 90%. Although Iran is currently only enriching to 60%, experts in the field warn that the process of increasing the purity of uranium from 60% to 90% is less complicated than increasing it from 2% to 60%. This reality creates an environment of uncertainty that could have repercussions for regional peace and security. The IAEA also emphasized that Iran's total stocks of enriched uranium far exceed what is allowed by the 2015 international nuclear agreement, known as the JCPOA. This agreement established a limit of 300 kilograms of enriched uranium with a maximum purity of 3.67%. However, the current reality shows that Iran possesses 5,751.8 kilograms, which represents a clear violation of the agreed terms. Since the United States unilaterally withdrew from the agreement in 2018, Iran has begun to breach its nuclear commitments. This noncompliance has translated into an escalation in the production of enriched uranium, which in turn increases tensions between Iran and Western powers. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi has emphasized that difficulties in verifying and monitoring Iran's nuclear activities have increased, partly due to the veto that Iran has imposed on several inspectors. As uranium reserves accumulate, concerns about the lack of transparency in Iran's nuclear operations become more pronounced. A second IAEA report mentions that Iran has hindered access to information about the origins of radioactive traces detected at undeclared facilities, raising doubts about the peaceful nature of its nuclear program. To make matters worse, Iran has expressed its intention to support any agreement that Hamas accepts in negotiations with Israel. This statement comes in a context of growing tension in the region, where relationships between countries and armed groups are increasingly complex. Iran's backing of Hamas could further complicate the power dynamics in the Middle East and open new possibilities for confrontation. On September 9, a meeting of the IAEA Board of Governors will take place, where these delicate and concerning issues will be discussed. The international community will be watching closely for the decisions made and the possible actions that may be implemented to contain the escalation of Iran's nuclear program. The situation surrounding Iran and its nuclear program serves as a reminder of the fragility of peace in the region and the urgent need for diplomatic solutions to address concerns about nuclear proliferation. As Iran continues to accumulate enriched uranium, time becomes a critical factor, and pressure on the country to meet its international commitments will intensify in the coming months.