Iranian Lawmaker Says Tehran Could Enrich Uranium to Weapons-Grade Level if Attacked Again

An Iranian lawmaker has warned that Tehran could increase uranium enrichment to weapons-grade levels if the country faces another military attack.

According to Iranian parliamentary National Security and Foreign Policy Commission spokesperson Ebrahim Rezaei, Iran may enrich uranium up to 90 percent purity, a level widely considered suitable for nuclear weapons production. He added that the matter would be reviewed in parliament.

The remarks come amid heightened regional tensions and ongoing international concerns regarding Iran’s nuclear activities.

Uranium is a naturally occurring radioactive element with the atomic number 92 and the chemical symbol “U.” According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, uranium belongs to the actinide group of elements.

Natural uranium contains about 0.72 percent of the isotope U-235. Uranium enrichment is the process of increasing the concentration of U-235 for various civilian or military uses.

Most commercial nuclear reactors operate using low-enriched uranium containing less than 5 percent U-235, commonly known as reactor-grade uranium. Uranium enriched below 20 percent is classified as low-enriched uranium.

However, uranium enriched beyond 20 percent is considered highly enriched uranium. Material enriched to around 90 percent purity is generally regarded as weapons-grade and can potentially be used in nuclear weapons.

Highly enriched uranium is also used in some naval propulsion systems, research reactors, and other specialized applications.