Iranian, Egyptian, and U.N. officials held high-level talks in Cairo on Monday following a new report by the U.N. nuclear watchdog that said Iran has significantly increased its stockpile of highly enriched uranium.
The meeting comes as tensions rise over Iran’s nuclear program, which the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) says includes uranium enriched to near weapons-grade levels. The IAEA report, reviewed by The Associated Press, indicates Iran had accumulated 408.6 kilograms (900.8 pounds) of uranium enriched up to 60% as of May 17, nearly a 50% increase since the agency’s previous report in February.
IAEA Director-General Rafael Mariano Grossi met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi, and Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty during the visit. Speaking at a joint news conference, Grossi emphasised the urgency of renewed diplomacy.
“We know there is escalating tension here,” Grossi said. “On Saturday, I issued a comprehensive report detailing areas where greater transparency is needed, but alongside that, it is essential to continue negotiations.”
The 60% enrichment level is a technical step away from the 90% needed for weapons-grade material. Iran maintains that its nuclear activities are for peaceful purposes and accused Grossi of political bias, claiming his latest report is part of a campaign to boost his chances of becoming the next U.N. secretary-general.
The meeting also took place against the backdrop of U.S.-Iranian nuclear negotiations and reports from CNN suggesting that Israel is preparing for a potential military strike on Iranian nuclear facilities.
The IAEA has expressed ongoing concern about Iran’s nuclear trajectory, which continues to be a central issue for the agency’s board of governors and global nonproliferation efforts.