The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has found particles of highly enriched uranium in Iran. It was 83.7 percent pure, just under the 90 percent required for nuclear weapons. It is unclear whether the high value was intentional or not.
“Something like this could happen accidentally or on purpose,” said a senior diplomat who closely monitors Iran’s nuclear program. Previous IAEA analyzes had shown that only a very small amount of 83.7 percent uranium had been produced. As reported, the traces were discovered during an inspection of a uranium enrichment plant in Fordow.
Iranian authorities: “Not intended”
Iranian authorities told the IAEA that the extremely high level of enrichment was an “unintentional fluctuation”. Talks with the government in Tehran are already underway. IAEA chief Rafael Grossi had already pointed out in January that Iran already has enough enriched uranium for several nuclear weapons if the material were to be further enriched. He will travel to the country in the coming days.
Among other things, according to the current report, the Islamic Republic has nearly 435 kilograms of 20 percent uranium, 48 kilograms more than in November. The stockpile of 60% uranium has increased by 25 kilograms and currently stands at almost 88 kilograms. However, the Iranian government has always insisted that it is only interested in peaceful nuclear technology.
In a 2015 agreement, it also committed to limiting its nuclear program. In return, Western sanctions were lifted. This deal was designed to prevent the construction of nuclear weapons. However, after then-US President Donald Trump pulled out of the agreement in 2018, the Iranian government responded by expanding uranium enrichment. IAEA inspections are also limited. Today there are repeated attempts to revive the agreement.
Source: Krone
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