IAEA: Iran Slows Enrichment of Near Bomb-Grade Uranium

The Islamic Republic of Iran has slowed production of uranium enriched close to the level needed for nuclear weapons, according to a report by the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog.

The confidential report by the International Atomic Energy Agency, seen by The Associated Press, said that the country now has 121.6 kilograms of uranium enriched up to 60 percent. 

The Vienna-based IAEA put the stockpile of 60 percent enriched uranium at just over 114 kilograms in May and 87.5 kilograms in February.

Uranium enriched at 60 percent purity is just a short, technical step away from weapons-grade levels of 90 percent. 

While the Islamic Republic has slowed uranium enrichment, the IAEA reported problems with trying to monitor its nuclear program. 

The agency’s report said that Iran has denied visas for IAEA officials, while the “de-designation of experienced agency inspectors” also challenged its work.

The report comes amid signs that Tehran seeks to ease tensions with Washington after years of increased tensions following the collapse of its 2015 nuclear deal with world powers.

The two sides are negotiating a prisoner swap and the release of billions of dollars in Iranian assets frozen in South Korea.

The 2015 nuclear deal between the Islamic Republic and six world powers limited the country’s uranium stockpile to 300 kilograms and enrichment to 3.67 percent.

The US withdrawal from the accord in 2018 triggered a series of escalations by the Islamic Republic over its nuclear program, which Iranian officials claim is peaceful.

IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi has warned that Tehran has enough enriched uranium for “several” nuclear bombs if it chose to build them.

In March, US intelligence agencies said that the Islamic Republic “is not currently undertaking the key nuclear weapons-development activities that would be necessary to produce a testable nuclear device.”