Iran’s uranium stockpile is growing fast - How many nukes could it create?

IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi informed the organization’s Board of Governors on Monday that Iran’s stockpile of 60% enriched uranium has surged to 275 kilograms, marking an increase of approximately one full nuclear weapon’s worth per month since December.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has now warned that Iran possesses enough uranium at this level, which could be rapidly converted to the 90% enrichment required for weapons-grade material, enabling the country to produce up to six nuclear weapons if it chooses to pursue that path.

This alarming growth in Iran’s nuclear capabilities is compounded by the country’s stockpiles of uranium enriched to 20% and lower levels, which have largely gone unaddressed. According to estimates from Israeli and some U.S. officials, Iran could potentially develop even more nuclear weapons, particularly if it opts for smaller, tactical nuclear bombs.

This development follows Iran's response to the IAEA Board’s condemnation of its nuclear violations in November 2024, alongside the ousting of Vice President Javad Zarif—one of Iran’s key diplomatic advocates for engagement with the West.

Iran’s continued defiance and growing nuclear stockpile come amid an ongoing standoff with the U.S., as Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has signaled a firm refusal to negotiate with the Trump administration. Khamenei remains distrustful of the U.S. due to President Donald Trump’s withdrawal from the nuclear deal in 2018, a move that Trump maintains has given Iran a limited window to strike a new deal before facing severe consequences.

With tensions escalating, it remains uncertain whether the U.S. will authorize an Israeli strike on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure or push European nations to activate the snapback sanctions mechanism under the 2015 nuclear deal. Grossi’s latest report further underscores the international community's growing concerns about Iran’s nuclear ambitions, calling for urgent action to curb the threat.