Iran Increases Uranium Enrichment To 60%, IAEA Reports
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has reported that Iran increases Uranium enrichment to 60%, a significant violation of the 2015 nuclear deal.
Author:Hajra ShannonReviewer:Paolo ReynaMar 02, 2023720 Shares120K Views
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has reported that Iran increases Uranium enrichment to 60%, a significant violation of the 2015 nuclear deal.
According to the IAEA report, conversations with Iran to explain the situation are continuing, and these occurrences clearly demonstrate the IAEA's capacity to identify and report changes in the functioning of Iran's nuclear facilities.
The move has raised concerns among Western powers, who fear that Iran may be seeking to develop nuclear weapons.
Iran has insisted that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only, but the move has heightened tensions between Iran and the international community.
What Is Uranium Enrichment?
Uranium enrichment is the process of increasing the concentration of uranium isotopes in natural uranium. This is done to produce fuel for nuclear power plants or, in some cases, to create nuclear weapons.
The process involves spinning uranium gas in centrifuges, which separates out the heavier U-238 isotope from the lighter U-235 isotope. The U-235 isotope is then used as fuel.
What Has Iran Done?
In September 2022, more than a year of informal discussions between the United States and Iran to revive the 2015 nuclear agreement failed. With Iran's crackdown on statewide rallies at home and as Tehran provided Russia with drones for the Ukrainian conflict, tensions between the two nations only grew.
Iran has been gradually increasing its uranium enrichment since 2019, when the United States withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal and reimposed sanctions on Iran.
Under the terms of the deal, Iran agreed to limit its uranium enrichment to 3.67% and to reduce its stockpile of enriched uranium.
“„We have a roadmap with the IAEA. And on two occasions, Mr. [Massimo] Aparo, Mr. [Rafael] Grossi’s deputy, came to Iran in the past few weeks, and we had constructive and productive negotiations. And we have also invited Mr. Grossi to come and visit Iran soon. Therefore our relationship with the IAEA is on its correct, natural path.- Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian
However, Iran has argued that the United States' withdrawal from the deal has invalidated its obligations and has resumed its nuclear activities.
The move to increase enrichment to 60% is a significant escalation of Iran's nuclear program and a clear violation of the nuclear deal.
UN nuclear watchdog IAEA releases report on Iran's uranium | World News | WION
What Is The International Response?
The move has been strongly condemned by the United States and its allies, who fear that Iran may be seeking to develop nuclear weapons.
Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Colin Kahl stated on Tuesday that "Iran's nuclear progress since" the Trump administration's withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal "has been remarkable," adding that in 2018, when the US withdrew, "it would have taken Iran approximately 12 months to produce one fissile, or one bomb's worth of fissile material."
The European Union has called on Iran to reverse its decision and to return to compliance with the nuclear deal.
Iran has rejected the international condemnation, insisting that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only.
Final Words
The situation remains tense, with Iran defying international pressure to abandon its nuclear program.
The United States and its allies are likely to continue imposing sanctions on Iran in an effort to force it to abandon its nuclear ambitions.
However, some experts believe that a diplomatic solution may still be possible if both sides are willing to engage in meaningful negotiations.
Hajra Shannon
Author
Hajra Shannona is a highly experienced journalist with over 9 years of expertise in news writing, investigative reporting, and political analysis.
She holds a Bachelor's degree in Journalism from Columbia University and has contributed to reputable publications focusing on global affairs, human rights, and environmental sustainability.
Hajra's authoritative voice and trustworthy reporting reflect her commitment to delivering insightful news content.
Beyond journalism, she enjoys exploring new cultures through travel and pursuing outdoor photography
Paolo Reyna
Reviewer
Paolo Reyna is a writer and storyteller with a wide range of interests. He graduated from New York University with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Media Studies.
Paolo enjoys writing about celebrity culture, gaming, visual arts, and events. He has a keen eye for trends in popular culture and an enthusiasm for exploring new ideas. Paolo's writing aims to inform and entertain while providing fresh perspectives on the topics that interest him most.
In his free time, he loves to travel, watch films, read books, and socialize with friends.
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