Tuesday, February 23, 2021

IAEA: Iran has started enriching uranium at up to 20% purity

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Tuesday reported that Iran had added 17.6 kilograms (38.8 pounds) of uranium enriched up to 20% to its stockpile as of February 16, The Associated Press reports.

The confidential IAEA document distributed to member countries and seen by AP is the first official confirmation of plans Iran announced in January to enrich to the greater purity, which is just a technical step away from weapons-grade levels and far past the 3.67% purity allowed under the 2015 nuclear deal it signed with world powers.

Iran also increased its total enriched uranium stockpile to 2,967.8 kilograms (6,542.9 pounds), up from 2,442.9 kilograms (5,385.7 pounds) reported on November 2, the IAEA said.

Iran has consistently scaled back its compliance with the 2015 deal in response to former US President Donald Trump’s withdrawal from it in 2018.

Current President Joe Biden has expressed a desire to return to the 2015 agreement but has stressed he would only return to the deal if Iran returned to compliance with it. READ MORE