International Atomic Energy Agency: Iran Has Reached 63 Percent Uranium Enrichment
In a report prepared on Tuesday for member states of the International Atomic Energy Agency, it was stated that fluctuations in the Natanz facility indicate uranium enrichment at 63 percent. Last month, the Agency reported 60 percent enrichment.
The International Atomic Energy Agency announced on Tuesday, May 11, that “fluctuations” at the Natanz nuclear facility have reached a level indicating uranium enrichment up to 63 percent. This is higher than what was announced during the 4+1 negotiations with Iran; that is, 60 percent enrichment.
Based on this report, Iran has taken a major step toward nuclear weapons development. Last month, following an explosion and sabotage at the Natanz facility, which Iran attributed to Israel, Iran raised its uranium enrichment level to 20 percent.
This “major step” was taken while Iran is negotiating with the P4+1 countries (Britain, France, Russia, China, and Germany) for a return to the JCPOA. Under this agreement, Iran is only permitted to conduct uranium enrichment of 3.67 percent. The level of uranium enrichment required for nuclear weapons development is 90 percent.
The International Atomic Energy Agency, in a report prepared for member states and obtained by Reuters news agency, stated that Iran claims the fluctuations in enrichment levels are experimental only.
The report states: “Examination of samples taken on April 22 indicates that enrichment up to 63 percent has been conducted, which is consistent with the fluctuations in enrichment levels (claimed by Iran).”
Reuters reported that the Agency provided no explanation for the cause of these fluctuations.
Last month’s Agency report had clarified that Iran used an advanced IR6 centrifuge cascade to produce UF6 gas with enrichment up to 60 percent. Part of the enriched uranium in this process was also used in IR4 machines to reach an enrichment level of 20 percent.
Tuesday’s Agency report states that Iran injected part of the material extracted from IR4 machines into 27 IR5 centrifuges and 30 IR6 centrifuges to bring the purity level of uranium to 5 percent.
Source: DW
