Science Technology

Iran's enriched uranium 22 times over set limit: IAEA

The International Atomic Energy Agency also described Iran's decision to withdraw the accreditation of the agency's inspectors as 'extreme and unjustified'.

Rafael Grossi, director general of the IAEA, speaks at the agency's headquarters in Vienna, Austria, on September 25. [Alex Halada / AFP]
Rafael Grossi, director general of the IAEA, speaks at the agency's headquarters in Vienna, Austria, on September 25. [Alex Halada / AFP]

By Pishtaz and AFP |

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Wednesday (November 15) said Iran's estimated stockpile of enriched uranium has reached over 22 times the limit set out in the 2015 agreement between Tehran and world powers.

According to a confidential IAEA report seen by AFP, Iran's total enriched uranium stockpile was estimated at 4,486.8kg as of October 28; up by 693.1kg from August. The limit in the 2015 deal was set at 202.8kg.

The United Nations nuclear watchdog also said the Iranian government's decision in September to withdraw the accreditation of several inspectors was "extreme and unjustified" and "directly and seriously affected" the agency's work.

"Iran's stance is not only unprecedented, but unambiguously contrary to the cooperation that is required," IAEA said in the same confidential report seen by AFP.

Mohsen Naziri-Asl, Iran's ambassador to the United Nations Office in Vienna and Iran's representative to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), attends the IAEA Board of Governors' meeting at the agency's headquarters in Vienna, Austria, on March 6. [Alex Halada/AFP]
Mohsen Naziri-Asl, Iran's ambassador to the United Nations Office in Vienna and Iran's representative to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), attends the IAEA Board of Governors' meeting at the agency's headquarters in Vienna, Austria, on March 6. [Alex Halada/AFP]

Iran's move targets eight top inspectors, including French and German nationals.

The nuclear watchdog said it had received a letter from Iran on Wednesday, reiterating its position "that it was within its rights" to withdraw the accreditation of the inspectors but was "exploring possibilities to address the request" of the agency to re-instate it.

IAEA director-general Rafael Grossi expressed his hope that the matter would be "resolved promptly."

Other outstanding issues include reinstalling cameras to monitor the country's nuclear program and explaining uranium traces at undeclared sites.

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