• Iran's stockpile of uranium enriched to 60% has grown to 408.6 kg, raising concerns of potential weaponization.
• The IAEA warns that Iran's enrichment levels are at their highest ever for a non-nuclear-weapon state.
• Iran's government dismisses the IAEA's report as politically motivated and biased.
• Ongoing U.S.-Iran negotiations are complicated by Iran's nuclear advancements.
• The IAEA report could lead to renewed calls for sanctions from European nations against Iran.

According to a confidential report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Iran has significantly increased its stockpile of uranium enriched up to 60%, accumulating 408.6 kilograms as of May 17, an increase of 133.8 kg since February. The report underscores the concern that this material is only a short technical step away from weapons-grade levels (90%) and could theoretically enable the production of nuclear weapons (approximately 42 kg of this enrichment is needed for one bomb) according to IAEA findings (cited through SCMP, HuffPost, Dawn, Africanews).

As these developments unfold, Iran has faced ongoing scrutiny and criticism from international observers, particularly regarding its level of cooperation with the IAEA. Notably, the agency indicated that Iran’s compliance has been "less than satisfactory" concerning its investigations into undeclared nuclear material found at several locations in Iran (according to India Times, HuffPost, Dawn, India Times).

Iran’s government has vehemently rejected the IAEA's report, labeling it as "baseless" and a "pretext for political maneuvering," with claims that the report was influenced by external pressures from Western nations. Iranian officials assert that their nuclear activities are strictly for peaceful purposes and within IAEA monitoring protocols (according to TRTGlobal, HuffPost, Africanews).

Recent discussions regarding a potential nuclear deal between the U.S. and Iran have been further complicated by these revelations. Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi, mediating the dialogue, has conveyed U.S. proposals to Iranian officials, but significant progress remains elusive (as reported by Dawn, NPR, India Times).

Given the escalating situation, European countries may consider invoking snap-back sanctions against Iran, actions previously suspended under the 2015 nuclear agreement. The implications of Iran's nuclear activities continue to stir significant international discourse, raising alarms about regional security dynamics (according to HuffPost, SCMP, TRTGlobal).