Iran increases its stockpile of uranium, close to weapons-grade levels: report

The United Nations’ nuclear watchdog reported Monday that Iran's uranium stockpile has increased to near weapons-grade levels.

According to the report obtained by The Associated Press, Iran now has over 300 pounds of uranium enriched up to 60% purity, just a short, technical step away from weapons-grade level of 90% purity needed to make a nuclear weapon. They also possess about 45 pounds more than they had in the last report, which was done in February.

The report states that Iran has an overall stockpile of more than 13,000 pounds of enriched uranium.

International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Mariano Grossi has warned that Tehran has enough uranium to make several bombs if it chose to do so. 

Iran continues to claim that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only. 

Iran has made headlines lately, especially with the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi who died in a helicopter crash earlier this month.