The United Nations International Atomic Energy Agency reported Wednesday that Iran is now enriching its uranium to 4.5 percent fissile purity.
The Islamic Republic has officially breached the 3.67 percent limit set in the 2015 JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) nuclear deal signed by Tehran and world powers, the IAEA told the 35 member nations of its governing board at a closed-door meeting.
The current Iranian stockpile of enriched uranium reported by the agency, 213.5 kilograms — 10.7 kilos more than the 202.8 kilograms allowed under the JCPOA nuclear agreement — constitutes another violation of the deal and is even more than the 205 kilograms verified on July 1.
IAEA director-general Yukiya Amano told the agency’s board of governors it was “essential” that Iran fully implements its nuclear-related commitments under the JCPOA.
“I am worried about increasing tensions over the Iranian nuclear issue,” Amano said. “As I have constantly emphasized, the nuclear-related commitments entered into by Iran under the JCPOA represent a significant gain for nuclear verification. I therefore hope that ways can be found to reduce current tensions through dialogue. It is essential that Iran fully implements its nuclear-related commitments under the JCPOA.
“The Agency continues to verify the non-diversion of nuclear material declared by Iran under its Safeguards Agreement,” Amano added. “Evaluations regarding the absence of undeclared nuclear material and activities in Iran continue.”