Iranian officials balk after inspectors find 84 percent enriched uranium at an enrichment facility. Because nuclear bombs require 90 percent, the International Atomic Energy Agency is demanding an explanation from Tehran.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has found particles of very highly enriched uranium in Iran. As IAEA boss Rafael Grossi officially confirmed for the first time in the evening, 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 “unintended fluctuation.” Talks with Tehran to clarify this issue are underway, the non-public report said. “Something like this can happen accidentally or on purpose,” said a senior diplomat who closely follows Iran’s nuclear program. However, previous analyzes by the IAEA had shown that only a very small amount of 83.7 percent material had 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, almost 435 kilograms of 20 percent uranium, 48 kilograms more than in the previous quarterly report from November. The stock of 60% uranium increased by 25 kilograms and is currently at almost 88 kilograms. Tehran has always emphasized that it is only interested in peaceful nuclear technology.
In 2015, Iran committed to restricting 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 withdrew from the agreement in 2018 under then-President Donald Trump, Tehran responded by expanding uranium enrichment and restricting IAEA inspections. Negotiations to revive the nuclear agreement, in which Germany is also involved, have been on hold for months.
