Full Breakdown
Iran Threatens 90% Uranium Enrichment if Attacked Again
5/12/2026, 9:13:41 PM
Tehran Signals Potential Weapons-Grade Enrichment
On 12 May 2026, Ebrahim Rezaei, spokesperson for the Iranian parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, posted on X that Iran could consider enriching uranium to 90 percent purity—a level defined as weapons-grade—if the country suffers another attack by the United States or Israel. He said the option would be reviewed by parliament.
Context of the 2026 Conflict
The warning follows a war that began in late February 2026 after coordinated US and Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Those strikes triggered Iranian missile and drone attacks, a brief ceasefire, and ongoing diplomatic talks that President Donald Trump described as “life support.”
Key Actors
The principal figures are Ebrahim Rezaei (parliamentary spokesperson), Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf (Speaker of Parliament), President Donald Trump (United States), and Israel as the regional adversary. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) monitors Iran’s nuclear program.
Enrichment Data
Uranium enriched to 90 percent is classified as weapons-grade. Iran currently holds roughly 400 kilograms (Reuters) to 440.9 kilograms (Daily Pioneer) of uranium enriched to 60 percent, a short technical step toward 90 percent.
Official Statements & Responses
The Iranian parliamentary commission said any decision to raise enrichment would be debated in parliament. The United States reiterated its demand that Iran move its HEU stockpile abroad and halt domestic enrichment, warning that further steps toward 90 percent would provoke a strong response. The IAEA continues limited monitoring of the stockpile.
Criticism & Opposition
Western governments and the IAEA have warned that moving to 90 percent enrichment would raise regional proliferation risks and could undermine ongoing diplomatic negotiations.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Reuters reports the 60 percent stockpile at “around 400 kg,” while Daily Pioneer cites “440.9 kg.” Both sources note the stockpile’s location and condition remain unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “One of Iran's options in the event of another attack could be 90 percent enrichment. We will review it in the parliament,” — Ebrahim Rezaei, Spokesperson, Iranian Parliament
- “life support” — Donald Trump, President of the United States
- “ready for all options” — Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of the Iranian Parliament
- “no alternative” — Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of the Iranian Parliament
Future Outlook
Iran’s parliament is slated to debate the enrichment option in the coming weeks. The United States has warned that any move toward 90 percent will invite a strong response, while the IAEA seeks expanded access to verify the HEU stockpile. Diplomatic channels remain open, with both sides indicating nuclear issues will be addressed in later negotiation phases.
