The International Atomic Energy Agency oversees nuclear activity around the world and in a confidential report obtained by Reuters said Iran is using advanced methods in uranium enrichment. The enrichment of uranium is key to creating nuclear weapons.
IAEA inspectors verified Sunday that Iran was feeding uranium gas, the material centrifuges enrich, into the first of three cascades, or clusters, of IR-6 centrifuges installed at the Natanz underground Fuel Enrichment Plant (FEP), Reuters said, quoting from the confidential IAEA report.
In July, Iran announced the country is enriching uranium to 20%. Uranium enriched to 90% is suitable for a nuclear bomb. The IAEA reported in June that Iran had 43 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60% purity — a short step to 90%. Nonproliferation experts warn that’s enough fissile material for one nuclear weapon if Iran chose to pursue it.
Iran’s uranium enrichment development came as talks to revive a nuclear deal were said to be closing in on an agreement headed by the European Union. The EU said they sent a final offer to Iran last month. The Biden Administration and European allies are desperate to negotiate a new nuclear deal with Iran to replace the 2015 Obama-era pact, and the Iranian regime is being honest that it won’t abide by whatever inspections come with that deal.
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi told the press Monday that unless the U.S. can pull back IAEA monitors, “speaking about an agreement has no meaning,” the Wall Street Journal reported.
Israel has piled pressure on Western countries to halt talks on reviving the agreement, warning against the consequences of returning to the accord. Mossad chief David Barnea will travel to Washington next week to discuss details in the deal. Iran has insisted its program is for peaceful purposes. Israel has vowed to do whatever is needed to prevent Iran from becoming a nuclear-armed state, including taking military action.
Reuters contributed to this report.
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