Iran continues to enrich uranium to 60%

A recent confidential report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) shows that Iran has continued to significantly increase the amount of enriched uranium to almost enough to make nuclear weapons.

Technicians work inside a uranium conversion facility in Isfahan, Iran. (Source: Getty Images)

The AP news agency cited the above report as saying that as of August 17, Iran had 164.7 kg of enriched uranium with a purity of up to 60%. This figure increased by 22.6 kg compared to the previous report in May.

Uranium enriched to 60% purity is a short technical step away from the 90% purity needed to make a nuclear weapon. According to the IAEA definition, about 42 kg of uranium enriched to 90% purity would theoretically be enough to make a nuclear weapon.

IAEA chief Rafael Mariano Grossi has previously warned that Tehran has enough enriched uranium to near-nuclear levels to build “several” nuclear bombs if it chooses to do so.

Iran has not yet commented on the above information. Iran has long affirmed that its nuclear program serves peaceful purposes.

In early June, the IAEA assessed that Iran was enhancing its nuclear capabilities and the IAEA Board of Governors passed a resolution calling on Tehran to increase cooperation with the agency, as well as allow inspectors to visit Iran.

Tensions have been rising between Iran and the IAEA since 2018, when President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew the United States from the 2015 nuclear deal, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), between Iran and world powers.

Since then, Iran has abandoned all limits the deal placed on its program and rapidly stepped up uranium enrichment.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/iran-tiep-tuc-lam-giau-uranium-len-muc-60-284459.html