US security report: Iran's 60% enrichment is a step towards 90% uranium
A US intelligence and security report says Iran is not currently conducting key activities to produce nuclear weapons. The report confirms that Tehran will begin enriching uranium to 60 percent if sanctions are not lifted.
In a 27-page report, US security and intelligence experts have pointed to Iran's intention to begin enriching uranium to 60 percent, considering it a step towards reaching 90 percent enriched uranium, which could be used in nuclear weapons.
The annual report, published on April 13, states: "We believe that Iran is not currently engaged in key activities that we estimate are necessary to produce a nuclear weapon."
American security and intelligence experts have said: "If sanctions against Tehran are not lifted, Iranian officials will likely seize this opportunity and move towards 60 percent enrichment and also build a 40-megawatt heavy water reactor."
The Islamic Republic's Foreign Ministry announced on Tuesday evening, April 13, that Iran will begin enriching uranium to 60 percent.
Hours later, the International Atomic Energy Agency also confirmed this, saying that Iran had informed the agency that it would begin 60 percent enrichment.
White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki called Tehran's move "provocative" and said the United States was concerned. However, she stressed that Washington wants to return to the JCPOA nuclear deal.
This comes as Iran and the P4+1 countries are holding talks in Vienna. The talks were scheduled to continue on Wednesday, April 14, but were postponed until the following day.
US security and intelligence experts also said in their report that North Korea will conduct a nuclear test this year to force the Joe Biden administration to negotiate with Pyongyang.
Source: DW
