Iran Offers to Cap Near Weapons-Grade Uranium Stockpile

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Nov 20, 2024

Above: Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran spokesperson Behrouz Kamalvandi (L) and Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharib Abadi (R) with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi (2nd-L), in Fordow, Iran on Nov. 15, 2024. Image copyright: Contributor/AFP via Getty Imagesstory last updated Nov 21

The Facts

Iran offered to limit its enriched uranium stock to up to 60% purity — with 90% purity being weapons-grade — to avoid a resolution at the Nov. 20-22 International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) meeting condemning its non-cooperation with UN inspectors.
The nuclear watchdog has said in a confidential report that Tehran has already initiated the process, although shifting uranium enrichment from 60% to 90% is a short process. Iran has also reportedly increased its 60%-purity uranium supply.

The Spin

Pro-Iran narrative

Claims of Iran's nuclear threat are overstated. Tehran's leadership has consistently avoided suicidal actions, suggesting nuclear ambitions are more about deterrence than aggression. The exaggerated threat perception, particularly from Israeli leaders, often serves political agendas and limits space for diplomacy. Western powers must exercise restraint, as aggressive policies risk escalating conflicts and emboldening Iranian hardliners. Maintaining regional stability requires a balanced approach — containment through measured actions, not confrontation, coupled with openness to diplomatic solutions that address mutual security concerns.

Timesofisrael

Anti-Iran narrative

Iran's nuclear progress poses a real and growing threat as it edges closer to producing weapons-grade uranium, potentially for three nuclear warheads. The Iranian public, increasingly supportive of nuclear armament, sees such weapons as essential to deter external aggression, particularly from Israel and the US. With international inspections limited and Tehran advancing enrichment, the risk of weaponization grows. Regional instability — fueled by Tehran's proxies — compounds the danger of a nuclear-armed Iran, which could embolden its actions further. Together, this suggests Tehran might reassess its long-standing opposition to nuclear weapons.