An unnamed official at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reportedly provided key details about Iran’s enrichment activities at two key facilities, Fordow and Natanz, to IAEA member states.
In defiance of Western objections, Iran has begun enriching uranium to 60% purity at its Fordow nuclear facility and is planning a huge expansion of its uranium enrichment capacity, according to the U.N. nuclear watchdog.
Iran’s move to quit the International Atomic Energy Agency was confirmed by the agency Friday, in response to last week’s board of governors resolution censuring Iran.
Western nations are likely to view Iran’s decision to enrich uranium at Fordow as particularly provocative, as the site is buried under a mountain, making it harder to attack.
Iran’s prior deal with major nations to limit enrichment to 3.67% was well below the roughly 90% purity needed for weapons-grade material, but it is now above 20% after Iran cut enrichment.
Iran has slammed a move by the United Nations nuclear watchdog to refer Tehran to the world’s courts for violations of international atomic agreements, calling it a violation of the country’s sovereignty.
Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said in a statement today that Iran had begun producing uranium hexafluoride enriched up to 60% -UF6 (uranium hexafluoride) – using the existing IR-6 centrifuges at the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant.
Iran is said to have evaluated several options for expanding the function of its uranium enrichment plants at Fordow and Natanz in a confidential report seen by Reuters.
