Nuclear: IAEA “very concerned” by Iran’s growing uranium stockpile
Tehran has increased its stockpile of enriched uranium to 60 percent, approaching the 90 percent threshold needed to make a nuclear weapon, according to a confidential IAEA report.
Iran has increased its reserves of uranium enriched to 60% in a "very worrying" manner, close to the 90% needed to make a nuclear weapon, according to a confidential report from the International Atomic Energy Agency ( IAEA ) seen by AFP on Wednesday. The total stood at 274.8 kg as of February 8 (compared to 182.3 kg three months earlier), which marks a clear acceleration in the rate of production.
"Iran is now producing nearly enough uranium enriched to 60% each month to build a nuclear weapon if the rate is increased to 90%," Ali Vaez , Iran specialist at the International Crisis Group, told AFP. Tehran had warned in early December of its intention to step up its efforts in retaliation for the adoption of a critical resolution by the IAEA Board of Governors. Iran has also announced the commissioning of new advanced centrifuges, the machines used to enrich uranium.
Director General Rafael Grossi also "deeply regrets that Iran, despite indicating its willingness to consider the designation of four additional experienced inspectors, has not accepted their designations," the report said. Tehran defends its right to nuclear power for civilian purposes, including energy, but denies wanting to acquire an atomic bomb. In recent years, it has gradually reversed all of its commitments under the 2015 agreement with the United States, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, China and Russia. Washington, under the previous term of Donald Trump , unilaterally withdrew from the pact in 2018, derailing the process.
The text is valid until October 2025 and some countries do not rule out reimposing sanctions against Iran after that date. Attempts to revive the agreement, now an empty shell, have since failed. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Tuesday again ruled out any "direct negotiations" with the United States in the current context of "maximum pressure" . "Iran will not negotiate with a gun to its head," warns Ali Vaez.
The report comes just days before the UN body's Board of Governors opens in Vienna. According to the document, total reserves of enriched uranium stand at 8,294.4 kg (up from 6,604.4 kg previously), more than 41 times the limit allowed by the 2015 international agreement. The IAEA has promised a full report by spring 2025, as requested by European countries and the United States in a resolution.
lefigaro
