Over the past few years, Iran has been building up its enriched uranium, a material used in both nuclear power and weapons, which is getting close enough to a weapons grade material.

This rapid development has raised concerns, particularly for the United Nations and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Initially, Iran’s uranium output was halted as part of a 2015 agreement that aimed to curb its nuclear activities in exchange for economic stability.

This agreement however, fell apart when former President Donald Trump withdrew from it, citing the lack of approval from all six member nations.

Current President Joe Biden intends to rejoin the agreement with the United States to end nuclear production in Iran.

However, there’s a deadlock as both Iran and the United States expect the other to agree first.

Luckily for both sides, Iran and six other nations have agreed to meet in Vienna, Italy, to discuss the revival of the 2015 agreement and address the growing uranium production issue.

Before even considering the diplomatic meeting, Iran has produced up to 60% more uranium than it had before, jumping from 6.7 kg of enriched uranium to 128.3 kg.

If this growth continues, Iran could have enough material for multiple nuclear warheads.

Despite denials from Iran about seeking nuclear weapons, the IAEA is alarmed by the high levels of uranium enrichment without any corresponding nuclear weapons.

Recent reports indicate a slowdown in Iran’s uranium enrichment rate from 9 kg a month to 3 kg, attributed to indirect negotiations and prisoner exchanges with the United States.

The blazing war between Israel and Hamas is another factor influencing the situation, given Iran’s close ties with Palestine.

Tensions between Israel and Iran have been high, and the outcome could go either way.

Israel had plans to start a preemptive strike on Iran to hinder or stop Iran’s enrichment processes.

However, the recent Israel-Hamas war has made it uncertain whether Israel will proceed with these plans or wait until the conflict is over.

Israel is cautious, considering several other Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Arabia, have been siding with Iran.

A preemptive strike could potentially result in a multi-front war for Israel.

Many officials are referring to the overall situation in the Middle East as “a mess” since every country is in some sort of conflict with another country.

The hope is that upcoming talks with Iran will address the enriched uranium stockpile issue and contribute to resolving conflicts in the region.

Aiden Roh

Grade 8

Fremont Middle School