According to a new report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Iran’s stockpile of 60% enriched uranium has increased from 6.7 kilograms to 128.3 kilograms since the agency’s last report in September.
This amount is more than three times the approximately 42 kilograms that, according to the agency’s definition, theoretically suffices for the construction of a nuclear bomb if further enriched.
Reuters reported that Iran currently has enough uranium with a concentration of 60% to produce three atomic bombs, according to the IAEA’s standards, and it has not yet answered the agency’s key questions and concerns regarding its nuclear program.
In a section of the recent confidential report of the International Atomic Energy Agency, which was obtained by this news agency on November 15, it is stated that since the previous report by the agency on September 4, the volume of 60% enriched uranium in Iran has increased by 6.7 kilograms and reached approximately 128 kilograms.
According to the agency’s standards, this amount, if its concentration is increased to 90%, is more than three times the uranium needed to produce a nuclear bomb.
In its new report, dated November 14, the IAEApoints out that no progress has been made in negotiations with the Iranian government regarding two old and important issues. The first issue is the installation of additional control and inspection equipment in Iran’s nuclear facilities after their dismantlementat the request of the country’s government last year. The second issue is obtaining satisfactory answers regarding the discovery of uranium traces at two nuclear facilities in Iran.
Furthermore, the new report by the agency reminds that there has been no progress regarding the acceptance of several inspectors designated by the agency, which the Iranian government objected to when they were sent to the country in September.
According to diplomats, the designated inspectors, who are reportedly French and German and said to be the most experienced inspectors of this agency, have so far been unable to go to Iran and begin their work due to Tehran’s opposition.
“The U.N. nuclear watchdog’s 35-nation Board of Governors passed a resolution a year ago ordering Iran to comply with an IAEA investigation into uranium traces found at three undeclared sites. Since then the IAEA has narrowed the list of sites to two but little other progress has been made,” Reuters added.
“This measure, while formally permitted… was exercised by Iran in a manner that directly and seriously affects the Agency’s ability to conduct effectively its verification activities in Iran, in particular at the enrichment facilities,” the report reads in part.
“The (IAEA) Director General (Grossi) continues to strongly condemn Iran’s sudden withdrawal of the designations of several experienced Agency inspectors,” the report added.
