UN atomic agency: Iran is steadily increasing stockpile of enriched uranium

by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent

(Worthy News) – The United Nations’ International Atomic Energy Agency reported Wednesday that Iran now has an estimated 17.7 kilograms (39 pounds) of uranium enriched at up to 60% fissile purity, a level that can easily be refined to make atomic weapons, The Associated Press (AP) reports.

Giving its assessment to member states in its quarterly report, the IAEA added that the stockpile of enriched uranium that Iran now has represents an increase of nearly eight kilos since August, AP said.

The IAEA could not verify the exact amount of enriched uranium Tehran has stockpiled because the regime has made it impossible for inspectors to access surveillance footage of its nuclear sites, online enrichment monitors, or electronic seals.

In a separate confidential report to member states seen by The Associated Press, the IAEA said its chief Rafael Mariano Grossi had expressed concerns about inspectors “being subjected to excessively invasive physical searches by security officials at nuclear facilities in Iran.” Grossi has again called on Iran to take “immediate steps to remedy the situation, and to implement security procedures at nuclear facilities that are consistent with internationally accepted security practices and Iran’s legal obligations in relation to privileges and immunities of the agency and its inspectors,” the IAEA report said.

Officials from Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia are scheduled to meet Iranian officials in Vienna on November 29 to discuss Iran’s return to compliance with the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action Iran deal, AP said. The US, through former president Donald Trump, pulled out of the agreement in 2018.

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