Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile over 23 times limit set by nuclear deal — IAEA

By Agencies 31 May 2023, 6:21 pm

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This photo released November 5, 2019, by the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran shows centrifuge machines in the Natanz uranium enrichment facility near Natanz, Iran. (Atomic Energy Organization of Iran via AP, File)

VIENNA — The UN nuclear watchdog says that Iran’s estimated stockpile of enriched uranium has reached more than 23 times the limit set out in the 2015 accord between Tehran and world powers.

According to a confidential International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) report seen by AFP, Iran’s total enriched uranium stockpile was estimated at 4,744.5 kilograms (10,459 pounds) as of May 13. The limit in the 2015 deal was set at 202.8 kilograms.

Additionally, The Associated Press quoted an IAEA reporting that Iran has resolved two outstanding inquiries.

The confidential quarterly report by the Vienna-based IAEA says inspectors no longer have questions on uranium particles found to be enriched to 83.7% at its underground Fordo facility.

The report says investigators also have closed off their investigation of traces of human-made uranium found at Marivan, near the city of Abadeh, some 525 kilometers (325 miles) southeast of Tehran. Analysts had repeatedly linked Marivan to Iran’s secret military nuclear program and accused Iran of conducting high-explosives tests there in the early 2000s.

Iran yesterday said international inspectors closed off the two lines of inquiry over its nuclear program.

The report comes as tensions between Iran and the West have escalated over its nuclear program. Tehran also has faced mass protests recently and anger from the West over it arming Russia with bomb-carrying drones now targeting Ukraine.