The first details of Iran’s “very useful” proposal in this week’s nuclear talks with the 5+1 Powers have emerged, and they largely match EA’s analysis of Tehran’s position.
An Iranian official, speaking to Barbara Slavin of Al Monitor, confirmed that Iran will stop producing 20% enriched uranium and “try to convert the [existing] stock” to fuel rods for the Tehran Research Reactor, which produces medical isotopes.
Iran has already converted about half its 20% uranium to oxide powder, which cannot be used for nuclear weapons, but it is not if Tehran has gone farther and turned any of the powder into fuel rods.
Oxide powder can be re-converted into 20% uranium in about two weeks if Iran has the technology and equipment. Conversion to fuel rods effectively puts the fuel beyond any potential military use.
The source also confirmed EA’s analysis that Iran would agree to full monitoring of the underground enrichment plant at Fordow, which will become a research center, and negotiate limits the scale of production at the Natanz enrichment plant.
There are two Iranian proposals which are new:
1. Adhering to the Additional Protocols of the Non-Proliferation Treaty, which provide for more rigorous inspections than the current system;
2. Provision of more information about the Arak heavy water reactor and monitoring of construction by the International Atomic Energy Agnecy.
The long-delayed reactor is scheduled to go on-line by the end of 2014. Western countries are concerned that plutonium, a by-product of the operations, could be used in a military program.
Citing a pledge of confidentiality over negotiations, representatives of the US State Department and the European Union declined comment.
Iran has asked for recognition of its right to enrich, a guaranteed supply of 20% uranium, and lifting of major sanctions in return for limits on its nuclear program.
