Iran Threatens to Enrich Uranium to Weapons-Grade if Attacked Again
Primary region Middle East
Tags Security · Diplomacy
Regions Middle East
Iranian parliamentary national security commission spokesperson Ebrahim Rezaei stated on May 12 that Iran could enrich uranium to 90% weapons-grade purity if attacked again by the U.S. or Israel. The IAEA estimates Iran possesses approximately 440kg of uranium enriched to 60% — a short technical step from the 90% threshold for nuclear weapons. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said the majority of this stockpile is likely still at the Isfahan nuclear complex, which was bombarded in June 2025. Iran has rejected exporting the material abroad but signaled willingness to dilute enrichment levels domestically under IAEA supervision. Russia offered to store Iran's enriched uranium, but Washington refused the proposal for a third-country transfer.
Strategic interpretation
Iran's enrichment threat is both a deterrent signal and a bargaining chip. By maintaining 60% enriched uranium on its territory, Tehran preserves the option to sprint to weapons-grade while offering dilution as a negotiating concession. The U.S. faces a dilemma: military action to destroy the stockpile risks full-scale war, while diplomatic pressure has so far failed to secure its removal. Russia's offer to store the material gives Iran a face-saving alternative, but U.S. rejection of this option narrows the path to a deal.