Iran suddenly takes a "strange" turn regarding its nuclear program, IAEA speaks out

Recently, after the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said that Iran's enriched uranium stockpile increased sharply, Tehran made its first move to change direction since abandoning past obligations.

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi (second from left) visits Iran's uranium enrichment facilities on November 15. (Source: Tasnim)

Iran's stockpile of enriched uranium is estimated to have exceeded 32 times the limit set in a 2015 deal between Iran and world powers to curb its nuclear program, the IAEA said on November 19, AFP news agency reported.

According to a source familiar with the matter, as of October 26, Iran's total stockpile of enriched uranium was estimated at 6,604.4 kg, an increase of 852.6 kg compared to the most recent quarterly report in August.

However, the IAEA also noted that Iran has begun to limit uranium enrichment to no more than 60%. According to Xinhua News Agency on November 20, during the regular meeting of the IAEA Board of Governors, Director General Rafael Grossi reported more clearly about the above move, after he returned from a visit to Iran last week.

In Iran, Mr. Grossi held discussions with President Masoud Pezeshkian and other senior officials of the host country, focusing on "the possibility of Tehran not further expanding its stockpile of uranium enriched to 60% U-235" and the technical verification measures needed for the IAEA to confirm compliance if this plan is implemented.

The IAEA confirmed that Iran has "begun taking preparatory measures to prevent the increase of its stockpile of uranium enriched to up to 60% U-235" at two enrichment facilities.

The IAEA director general welcomed Iran's move, stating: "This is... a concrete step in the right direction. This is the first time since Iran abandoned its past obligations that it is moving in a different direction."

However, the head of the IAEA said he could not rule out the possibility that Iran's commitments could be affected "due to further developments", after Western powers submitted a resolution criticizing Tehran for its lack of cooperation during a meeting of the IAEA Board of Governors.

Regarding this issue, according to a statement from the Iranian Foreign Ministry on the same day, November 20, during a phone call with Mr. Grossi, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi warned that the Islamic Republic will react "appropriately" if any anti-Iran resolution is proposed during the session.

The Iranian diplomat also reaffirmed the commitment to continue dialogue, while both sides stressed the importance of avoiding "unconstructive and confrontational approaches".

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/iran-bat-ngo-re-huong-la-lien-quan-chuong-trinh-hat-nhan-iaea-len-tieng-294506.html