As of February 8, Iran is enriching up to 605.8 pounds of uranium, a report from Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency, said it was enriching up to 60% of uranium. This is an increase of £203.9 since the IAEA’s last report in November, the AP reported.
The material is a short technical step from 90% weapon grade level.
The November 2024 report put the stockpile at 401.9 pounds. It was 363.1 pounds last August.
“The significant increase and accumulation of the production and accumulation of highly reinforced uranium by Iran, the only nuclear-weapon state that produces such nuclear material, is a serious concern,” the confidential report states.
In 2018, Iran stimulated a dispute resolution mechanism within the JCPOA joint committee at the level of foreign ministers from the remaining signatories to the agreement. As a result, JCPOA members issued a statement outlining 11 commitments aimed at compensating for the economic damages caused by the unilateral withdrawal from the US contract and the rechallenge of sanctions against Iran.
Iran wanted to respect its commitment under the JCPOA for a year after the US withdrawal and give European countries time to fulfill its promise to mitigate the impact of Washington’s unilateral exit. Nevertheless, as European countries were unable to meet their commitments, Iran began to reduce its obligations under the JCPOA at several stages.
Negotiations to resume implementation of the JCPOA have been held for eight rounds in Vienna, with the rest of the deal signatories, the European Union and Iran. The US delegation was indirectly involved in the discussion.
However, discussions have been stagnant due to factors such as inconsistencies in action, delayed decision-making, excessive demands, and new demands from the US.
MNA