look news india
Defying international appeals, Iran has increased its enriched uranium stockpile to close to weapons-grade levels, a confidential report by the UN nuclear watchdog said on Thursday. According to a report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), as of August 17, Iran had 164.7 kg of uranium, a 60 percent increase. This is an increase of 22.6 kg since the IAEA's last report in May.
Just one step away from weapons-grade level
Uranium enriched to 60 per cent purity is only a technical step away from weapons-grade levels of 90 per cent. The report said Iran has still not responded to the nuclear watchdog's years-long investigation into the origin and current location of man-made uranium particles found at two sites that Tehran has failed to declare as potential nuclear sites.
Tehran has not even reconsidered the September 2023 decision
According to the Associated Press, the IAEA report said Tehran has not even reconsidered the September 2023 decision, under which Iran banned the most experienced nuclear inspectors from monitoring its nuclear program. Apart from this, IAEA monitoring cameras are still obstructed.
Khamenei's statement on nuclear program
This report of the IAEA has come at a time when Iran's supreme leader has recently talked about opening the way for new talks with the US regarding his country's rapidly growing nuclear program. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei told his civilian government that there is 'no harm' in negotiating with the 'enemy'.
Washington cannot be trusted
The supreme leader's comments on Tuesday set clear red lines for any talks under the new government of reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian and reiterated his warning that Washington should not be trusted.
