Iranian nuclear program: IAEA raises the alarm over uranium enrichment
Iranian nuclear program: IAEA raises the alarm over uranium enrichment
The international community observes the developments in the Iranian nuclear program with growing concern. Rafael Grossi, the director of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), emphasized in a recent report that the stocks of highly enriched uranium in Iran have recorded an alarming increase. From May to August of this year, the amount of the potentially weapon -capable material rose by about 23 kilograms, so that almost 165 kilograms are now available.
According to experts,, according to experts, around 50 kilograms of uranium, which was brought to an enrichment of 60 percent, are required. However, in order to be important for nuclear weapons, the enrichment should be carried out to around 90 percent. Iran asserts not to strive for a military use of its nuclear program, but Grossi points out that no other country except Iran, apart from states that already have nuclear weapons, produces so high levels of enrichment.
Expansion of uranium enrichment capacities
A non-public report that is available to the German Press Agency informs that Iran has put additional centrifuges into operation at two locations in recent months. This happens despite the international continuing demands for more transparency. The centrifuges are decisive devices that are required to enrich uranium and significantly expand the capacity of Iran in this area.
In addition, Grossi stated that Tehran continues to discuss with the IAEA about old, unexplained questions about secret nuclear activities. After the election of the new Iranian President Massud Peseschkian in July there is no progress in the conversations between Iran and the IAEA. Another worrying development is Tehran's decision not to let experienced IAEA inspectors, which significantly complicates the review of the Iranian nuclear program.
Background of this situation is the nuclear agreement agreed in 2015, in which Iran committed itself to drastically restricted its nuclear program. In return, the international community was supposed to loosen its sanctions against Iran. But when the then US President Donald Trump decided to step out of the agreement in 2018, Iran began to upgrade its nuclear facilities and severely restricted the IAEA inspections.
The continuing tensions between Iran and the International Nuclear Community raise questions about how the efforts of nuclear disarmament continue in the Middle East. The IAEA and numerous countries worldwide are faced with the challenge of dealing with an increasingly complex situation around the Iranian nuclear program, while Iran continues to drive its activities in the field of uranium enrichment.