Gary Samore, a former US arms control coordinator, has revealed that Iran has been storing approximately 400 kilograms of enriched uranium in underground facilities. This uranium is enriched to a level of 60%, significantly higher than that permitted for civilian use. According to Samore, this level of enrichment could be rapidly increased to 90% with a relatively simple technical leap, raising alarms about Iran's potential capabilities to produce a nuclear weapon.

Samore's insights highlight the increasing urgency of the situation, as the international community remains concerned about Iran's nuclear ambitions. The technical transition from 60% to 90% enrichment is much shorter than the earlier stages of uranium enrichment, suggesting that should the Iranian regime decide to pursue nuclear weapons, it could do so in a much quicker timeframe. This poses significant challenges for global security and nonproliferation efforts.

Despite asserting that its nuclear program is aimed at peaceful energy production, the stockpiling of such large quantities of enriched uranium raises critical questions about Iran's intentions. The balancing act between diplomatic engagements and imposing sanctions continues, as nations like the United States grapple with the implications of a nuclear-capable Iran and seek ways to mitigate the risks posed by its nuclear program.