Vítkof: Iran informed us that it possesses 460 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60%
TL;DR
U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff revealed Iran admitted having 460 kg of 60% enriched uranium in February 2026, enough for about 11 nuclear weapons if further enriched. This aligns with IAEA assessments and has drawn condemnation from the U.S. and allies, complicating diplomatic efforts amid ongoing sanctions and calls for verification.
Tags
U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff disclosed that Iranian negotiators explicitly informed U.S. officials in February 2026 that the country possesses 460 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60%, a quantity sufficient to produce approximately 11 nuclear weapons if further enriched to weapons-grade levels (90%) within one to four weeks according to CBS News. This admission aligns with prior assessments by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which noted that Iran’s stockpile of near-weapons-grade uranium could theoretically support the production of 10 nuclear warheads as reported by NewsNation.
Iran’s nuclear program has accelerated in recent months, with the IAEA reporting increased production of 60% enriched uranium in November 2024, raising concerns about rapid weaponization potential according to Arms Control Association. Despite Iran’s assertions that its program is peaceful, the U.S. and European allies have condemned Tehran’s enrichment activities as escalatory, with France, Germany, and the U.K. calling it a “backwards step” in regional de-escalation efforts as stated by Arms Control Association.
During negotiations, Iran rejected a U.S. proposal to halt uranium enrichment for a decade in exchange for U.S.-funded nuclear fuel, signaling its intent to retain enrichment capabilities for potential weaponization according to CBS News. Witkoff emphasized that Iran’s negotiators expressed pride in evading international oversight to achieve this capacity, complicating diplomatic efforts.
Financial markets remain sensitive to geopolitical tensions, with sanctions, energy security risks, and potential military escalation influencing investor sentiment. The Biden administration continues to enforce sanctions, though international alignment has weakened since the 2015 nuclear deal’s collapse. The IAEA has called for unimpeded access to Iranian facilities to verify compliance, underscoring the need for diplomatic resolution to mitigate nuclear proliferation risks according to Arms Control Association.
