The International Atomic Energy Agency says it cannot guarantee that Iran’s nuclear program is “exclusively peaceful”, with “no progress” in resolution of questions about the presence of nuclear material at undeclared sites before 2003.
In a confidential report, the IAEA said Iran is enriching uranium far beyond the limits of the 2015 nuclear deal with the 5+1 Powers (US, UK, France, Germany, China, and Russia). Tehran’s stockpile is now more than 19 times the limit under the agreement.
Iran’s stock of 60% uranium is now 55.6 kg (122.3 pounds). Under the 2015 deal, enrichment of 20% uranium, let alone 60%, is barred.
A “senior diplomat” said the amount is great enough — if enriched further to more than 90% — to construct a nuclear bomb: “Iran now can produce 25 kilograms [of uranium] at 90% if they want to.”
The diplomat said this could be done within three to four weeks. However, development of a deliverable bomb could require up to two years.
The issue of IAEA inspections is now the main barrier to a revised nuclear deal, with Tehran demanding a ban or restrictions.
The talks resumed in April 2021, seeking US re-entry, lifting of sanctions on Tehran, and Iran’s return to compliance with the terms. A European Union “final text” was presented to Iran and the US last month, but diplomats say Tehran’s conditions on the IAEA are a step back from resolution.
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Meanwhile, Iran is withholding all IAEA surveillance videos of its nuclear facilities. After it was censured by the IAEA Board of Governors over failure to address questions about past nuclear activities, it removed some of the Agency’s cameras.
IAEA head Rafael Grossi said in the latest report that he is “increasingly concerned that Iran has not engaged with the Agency on the outstanding safeguards issues during this reporting period and, therefore, that there has been no progress towards resolving them”.