US intelligence report: Iran’s uranium stockpile hits record levels, poses regional threat

Iran's enriched uranium stockpile has reached a record level for a non-nuclear state, according to the annual report by the US Intelligence Community on global threats.

The report states that while Iran is not currently building a nuclear weapon, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has faced growing pressure to resume the nuclear weapons program he suspended in 2003.

"We continue to assess Iran is not building a nuclear weapon and that Khamenei has not reauthorized the nuclear weapons program he suspended in 2003, though pressure has probably built on him to do so," the document notes. It also highlights the weakening of a decades-old taboo on public discussions of nuclear weapons within Iran’s decision-making circles.

US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz reaffirmed Washington’s firm stance on March 23, stating that the US will pursue Iran’s complete abandonment of its nuclear program. Waltz emphasized that the previous "give-and-take" policy under former Presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama is no longer applicable.

Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed the possibility of renewed negotiations with the US under current conditions, but noted that Tehran's stance on Washington is not static.

The intelligence report also warns that Iran’s military capabilities—both conventional and unconventional—pose a long-term threat to US forces and allies in the Middle East, despite recent setbacks suffered by Tehran and its regional proxies.

"Iran’s large conventional forces are capable of inflicting substantial damage to an attacker, executing regional strikes, and disrupting shipping, particularly energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz," the report states.

While Iran has developed an extensive arsenal of ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as drones, US intelligence assesses that Tehran’s military options remain limited. Despite deploying small boats and submarines in the Gulf, Iran’s armed forces suffer from outdated equipment and insufficient training.

The report further notes that Iranian officials are struggling to compensate for military losses sustained from Israeli airstrikes targeting Iran’s proxies and military infrastructure in 2024.

US intelligence concludes that while Iran remains a formidable regional actor, its ability to restore its military deterrence—particularly against Israel—remains uncertain in the near term.

By Vugar Khalilov