Lack of Progress in Monitoring Iran's Enrichment Program, U.N. Reports

The United Nations' nuclear watchdog agency, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has reported "no progress" in monitoring and verifying Iran's nuclear program. Iran's decision to stop implementing its nuclear-related commitments under the 2015 Iran nuclear deal and remove the IAEA's surveillance and monitoring equipment has seriously affected the agency's ability to provide assurance of the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear program. Iran's enrichment of uranium up to 60% purity has continued, though at a slower rate, and its stockpile of highly-enriched uranium has grown by 7% over the last quarter. Western powers are concerned about Iran's proximity to producing nuclear weapons, while Iran denies any intention to develop them.