Iran continues its nuclear expansion, but does not want to buy a bomb

Iran has significantly increased its stockpile of enriched uranium in recent months. Its nuclear buildup continues According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), he denied that he wanted to buy the bomb. However, the UN The organization notes “progress” in cooperation and has decided to close a file on the presence of nuclear material at one of three undeclared sites, which has long poisoned relations between the two sides.

Amid worsening relations between Iran and Western powers, the Islamic Republic last year severely limited its exchanges with the agency and cut off its surveillance cameras. At the same time, it released itself from the commitments made under the 2015 international agreement. Withdrawal from the United States President Trump decided in 2018.

The concentration is above the prescribed limit of 3.67%

Its enriched uranium is now 23 times higher than the authorized limit: they were 4744.5 kg on May 13 (against 3760.8 kg in October), according to a report submitted to member states a few days before the committee’s meeting. Governors. Above all, far from the 3.67% limit, Iran continues to enrich heavily: 470.9 kg at 20% (against 434.7 kg previously) and 114.1 kg at 60% (against 87.5 kg).

The IAEA says it has received “credible explanations” from Tehran about the Marivan site in southern Iran. The international body has “no further questions” and the file is “considered to be resolved at this stage”. However, it stuck to its previous assessment on the matter, according to which Iran planned to stockpile nuclear material there for explosive tests in 2003.

(AFP)Show comments