Iran warns it may enrich uranium to weapons-grade levels if attacked again by US

Iran has warned that it could enrich uranium to weapons-grade levels if the United States launches fresh attacks on the country, amid rising tensions over Tehran’s nuclear programme and ongoing uncertainty surrounding ceasefire negotiations.

According to Iranian parliamentary spokesperson Ebrahim Rezaei, Tehran may consider enriching uranium to 90% purity — widely regarded as weapons-grade — if it faces another military strike. The warning came as diplomatic efforts between Iran and the US remain fragile following months of military escalation in the region.

The statement follows repeated threats from US President Donald Trump, who recently warned that Iran could face attacks “far worse” than previous strikes if Tehran refuses to curb its nuclear activities.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) estimates that Iran currently possesses around 440 kilograms of uranium enriched up to 60% purity, which experts describe as a short technical step away from weapons-grade enrichment.

Although 60% enriched uranium is below the roughly 90% level generally associated with nuclear weapons, international concern has intensified because further enrichment could potentially produce enough fissile material for multiple nuclear devices if Tehran chose to proceed.

The warning comes after a series of US and Israeli strikes over the past year targeting Iranian nuclear and military infrastructure, including facilities at Natanz, Fordow and Isfahan. Satellite imagery and assessments cited by analysts suggest that while some infrastructure was damaged, Iran may still retain significant stockpiles of highly enriched uranium.

IAEA chief Rafael Grossi had earlier stated that Iran could potentially resume high-level uranium enrichment within months despite damage caused by previous attacks, noting that technical expertise and parts of the nuclear infrastructure remain intact.

The issue of uranium enrichment continues to be one of the biggest obstacles in negotiations between Washington and Tehran. Reports suggest that earlier talks stalled after the US demanded a long-term freeze on Iran’s enrichment programme, while Tehran pushed for a shorter suspension period.

Meanwhile, Israel has continued to insist that the conflict cannot be considered resolved unless Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile is removed or neutralised. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently said the war would not truly end until Iran’s nuclear material issue was addressed.

The latest warning from Tehran is likely to deepen concerns about nuclear proliferation and further complicate already strained diplomatic efforts aimed at reviving a long-term agreement over Iran’s nuclear activities.