IAEA confirms traces of uranium almost suitable for weapons in Iran Brexit British spew Switzerland into EU soup

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has found particles of highly enriched uranium in Iran. As IAEA chief Rafael Grossi first officially confirmed on Tuesday, the uranium had a purity of 83.7 percent. That’s just under the 90 percent needed for nuclear weapons. The traces were discovered in January during an inspection of a uranium enrichment facility in Fordow.

Iranian authorities told the IAEA that the extremely high level of enrichment was an “unintentional fluctuation”. Talks with Tehran to clarify this matter are underway, according to the non-public report available to the German news agency. “Something like this could happen accidentally or on purpose,” said a senior diplomat who closely monitors Iran’s nuclear program. However, the IAEA’s analyzes so far have shown that only a very small amount of 83.7 percent material has been produced, he said.

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.

According to the report, the Islamic Republic possesses, among other things, nearly 435 kilograms of 20 percent uranium, 48 kilograms more than in November’s previous quarterly report. The stockpile of 60% uranium has increased by 25 kilograms and currently stands at almost 88 kilograms. Tehran has always insisted that it is only interested in peaceful nuclear technology.

In 2015, Iran pledged to limit its nuclear program. In return, Western sanctions were lifted. This pact was intended to prevent the construction of nuclear weapons in the Islamic Republic. After the United States pulled out of the agreement in 2018 under then-President Donald Trump, Tehran responded by expanding uranium enrichment and limiting IAEA inspections. Negotiations to revive the nuclear deal, which also involves Germany, have been stalled for months. (sda/dpa)