Iran’s Nuclear Secrets: Is Highly Enriched Uranium Still Intact?

Why This Matters for Exams
This topic intersects current affairs, international institutions (IAEA), and science & technology—cornerstones of exams like UPSC (Prelims/Mains), SSC, and state PSCs. Expect questions on:
Uranium enrichment processes and strategic implications.
IAEA’s mandate in global nuclear security.

Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
Key Insights: Iran’s Nuclear Standoff
The Mystery of Iran’s Uranium Stockpile
Despite Israeli and U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, UN nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi suspects Tehran moved its highly enriched uranium (60% purity) to safety. Such levels are alarmingly close to weapons-grade (90%)—raising global security concerns.
IAEA’s Critical Role
Iran informed the IAEA on June 13 about “special measures” to protect nuclear assets.
The agency must verify how much 60% enriched uranium remains—a stockpile that could potentially fuel nine nuclear weapons if further refined.

Uranium Enrichment: Science & Strategy
What is enrichment? Increasing the concentration of uranium-235 isotopes (from 0.72% in natural uranium to 60–94%) for energy or weapons.
Why 60% purity? No country enriches uranium this highly without nuclear weapons ambitions. Iran claims “peaceful purposes,” but Western powers dispute this.

Geopolitical flashpoint: Controlling enrichment tech is a global power struggle, impacting non-proliferation treaties.

Fast Facts: Uranium & Enrichment
Uranium is 500x more abundant than gold but requires complex processing.
Highly Enriched Uranium (HEU): >20% purity. Used in:
Naval reactors (e.g., submarines).
Nuclear weapons.
Research reactors.
Reprocessed Uranium (RepU): Recovered from spent nuclear fuel—a contentious recycling method.


Why This Matters for Exams
This topic intersects current affairs, international institutions (IAEA), and science & technology—cornerstones of exams like UPSC (Prelims/Mains), SSC, and state PSCs. Expect questions on:
Uranium enrichment processes and strategic implications.
IAEA’s mandate in global nuclear security.
Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

Sample Q&As for Exam Prep
Q: Why is 60% enriched uranium a red flag for the IAEA?
A: It’s near weapons-grade (90%). No nation enriches to this level without nuclear weapons programs.
Q: What is the IAEA’s primary mandate in nuclear governance?
A: To monitor nuclear activities globally, ensure compliance with non-proliferation treaties, and promote peaceful atomic energy use.
Q: How does uranium enrichment impact geopolitical stability?
A: Nations with enrichment tech can weaponize uranium, triggering arms races (e.g., Iran-Israel tensions).
Q: Distinguish between natural uranium and reprocessed uranium (RepU).
A: Natural uranium contains 0.72% U-235. RepU is recycled from spent reactor fuel, requiring re-enrichment.
Q: Why did Iran’s “special measures” complicate damage assessment of its uranium stockpile?
A: Moving materials post-strikes made it harder for the IAEA to verify destruction levels.


How to Prepare for Entrance Exams
Mastering current affairs like Iran’s uranium crisis demands focused revision and practice with high-yield questions. At myentrance.in, we offer the most predicted questions—curated by experts for exams like UPSC, SSC, and PSC. Our mock tests and topic breakdowns simplify complex issues, turning your preparation into a strategic advantage.