Vienna - A confidential report by the United Nations' nuclear watchdog, released Saturday, indicates that Iran has further expanded its reserve of uranium enriched close to weapons-grade levels. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) report details the current state of Iran's nuclear program and its compliance with international agreements.
The report highlights a continued increase in the amount of uranium enriched to 60% purity, a level that is technically considered near weapons-grade. While Iran maintains that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, such as energy production and medical isotopes, the high level of enrichment has raised concerns among Western powers.
The IAEA has been closely monitoring Iran's nuclear activities since the collapse of the 2015 nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The deal, which limited Iran's enrichment capabilities in exchange for sanctions relief, unraveled after the United States unilaterally withdrew in 2018.
The latest report is expected to fuel further debate at the upcoming IAEA board meeting, where member states will discuss potential responses to Iran's non-compliance. Diplomats are likely to consider further diplomatic pressure, but the options remain limited in the absence of a broader agreement on Iran's nuclear program.
Iran's Enriched Uranium Stockpile Grows, UN Watchdog Reports
Iran has continued to increase its stockpile of uranium enriched to levels near what's needed for nuclear weapons, according to a new confidential report from the United Nations' nuclear watchdog. The report, released Saturday, details the latest findings on Iran's nuclear program. This development raises concerns among international observers about Iran's nuclear ambitions and compliance with international agreements. The increased stockpile could further escalate tensions in the region.
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