Iranian Said Uranium enrichment to 60% doesn't conflict with the Treaty

Iranian Atomic Energy Organization: Uranium enrichment to 60% does not conflict with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

Iran has significantly stepped up its production of highly enriched uranium, according to a recent report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), raising concerns about its nuclear program. The report, released on May 31, revealed that Iran has increased its stockpile of uranium enriched to up to 60% to 408.6 kilograms, a substantial increase from the 275 kilograms reported in February [3].

This development comes as Iran continues its negotiations with the United States over its nuclear program. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has reiterated Iran's position that nuclear weapons are "unacceptable," but the country's actions have sparked international concern [1, 2].

Iran's uranium enrichment activities have exceeded the limits set by the 2015 nuclear agreement with world powers. The agreement, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), placed strict limits on Iran's uranium enrichment. Under the JCPOA, Iran was allowed to enrich uranium to 3.67% for peaceful purposes. However, Iran's current enrichment level of up to 60% is far beyond these limits, raising questions about Iran's compliance with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) [1, 2].

The IAEA's report noted that Iran's stockpile of enriched uranium now exceeds 45 times the limit authorized by the 2015 agreement, totaling 9,247.6 kilograms [1, 2]. The agency expressed serious concern about Iran's production and accumulation of highly enriched uranium, which is typically used in nuclear weapons [3].

The IAEA also criticized Iran's cooperation in its scrutiny of the country's nuclear program, highlighting Iran's lack of progress in explaining nuclear material found at undeclared sites [1, 2]. This has further complicated negotiations between Iran and the United States.

Despite the concerns raised by the IAEA report, Iran has maintained that its uranium enrichment program is for peaceful purposes. However, the international community remains skeptical, with countries like Israel accusing Iran of being "totally determined" to acquire nuclear weapons [1, 2].

The situation is further complicated by the ongoing negotiations between Iran and the United States. While Iran has agreed to consider allowing U.S. inspectors to join the IAEA teams monitoring its nuclear program, it has also insisted that any deal must take into account its demands [1, 2].

The IAEA report comes at a critical time for Iran's nuclear negotiations with the United States. The two countries are at odds over Iran's uranium enrichment program, with the U.S. insisting that it must cease, while Iran maintains that it has the right to enrich uranium under the NPT [1, 2].

The international community is closely watching the developments in Iran's nuclear program. The IAEA's report has raised serious concerns about Iran's compliance with the NPT and the potential implications for regional stability. As negotiations between Iran and the United States continue, the international community will be looking for signs of progress and a return to compliance with the JCPOA.

References:
[1] https://www.newagebd.net/post/middle-east/266352/iran-speeds-up-uranium-enrichment-rejects-nuclear-arms
[2] https://www.dailysabah.com/world/mid-east/iran-ups-uranium-enrichment-but-deems-nuclear-weapons-unacceptable
[3] https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-us-nuclear-uranium-weapons/33430365.html