IAEA: Iran produces uranium metal that can be used in atomic bombs

As the chances of a return to the 2015 nuclear deal dwindle, Iran has made progress in producing uranium metal, the UN nuclear watchdog said on Monday.

“On August 14, 2021, the agency confirmed that Iran used 257 g of uranium enriched by up to 20% U-235 in the form of UF4 (uranium tetrafluoride) to produce 200 g of uranium metal containing up to 20% U-235 is enriched. ”wrote the International Atomic Energy Agency, according to Reuters.

Uranium metal can be used as a component in nuclear weapons. As part of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) signed with the world powers in 2015, Iran signed a 15-year ban on the “production or acquisition of plutonium or uranium metals or their alloys”.

Iran previously told the UN Nuclear Watch that it is pushing research into uranium metal production and said it aims to provide advanced fuel for a research reactor in Tehran.

The IAEA added that the move is the third step in a four-step plan, with the fourth being to produce a reactor fuel plate, according to Reuters.

Get the daily edition of the Times of Israel
by email and don’t miss any top stories

By registering, you agree to the terms and conditions

But Iran has insisted that its nuclear activities are peaceful and not aimed at building a weapon.

The Iranian flag flies in front of the UN building in which the office of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is located in Vienna, Austria, July 10, 2019. (AP Photo / Ronald Zak)

Former US President Donald Trump withdrew from the deal in 2018 and re-imposed sanctions that stifled Iran’s oil-dependent economy. Iran has responded by withdrawing the measures it agreed to comply with, including enriching uranium to unprecedented levels close to weapons-grade.

Talks began in Vienna in April to find a way to get both parties back to the deal. However, the final round took place on June 20th with no date set for the resumption. The EU chairs the meetings.

US President Joe Biden, Trump’s successor, has signaled his willingness to return to the nuclear deal and has started indirect negotiations with Iran along with formal talks with the remaining parties to the deal, the UK, China, France, Germany and Russia.

Police officers stand in front of the “Grand Hotel Wien” in Vienna, Austria, April 9, 2021, where secret nuclear talks with Iran are taking place. (AP photo / Florian Schroetter)

Israel has long opposed the nuclear deal and Biden’s stated intentions to rejoin the treaty.

A return to the 2015 deal seems less likely as tensions have increased, notably with a drone attack last month on an Israeli-linked tanker off Oman that killed a British citizen and a Romanian national on board.

The G7 – the US, UK, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan – blamed Iran for the attack, which denies the allegation.

The climate crisis and responsible journalism

As an environmental reporter for the Times of Israel, I try to convey the facts and science behind climate change and environmental degradation, explain – and criticize – the official policies that affect our future, and describe Israeli technologies that are part of the solution be able.

I have a passion for the outdoors and am discouraged by the dire lack of awareness of environmental issues exhibited by most citizens and politicians in Israel.

I am proud to do my part in educating the readers of the Times of Israel on this important topic – which can and does make political change happen.

Your support through membership in The Times of Israel Community, enables us to continue our important work. Would you join our community today?

Thank you,

Sue Surkes, Environmental reporter

Join the Times of Israel community Join our community Already a member? Log in to no longer see this

You are serious We appreciate that!

That is why we come to work every day – to offer discerning readers like you indispensable coverage of Israel and the Jewish world.

Now we have a request. Unlike other news agencies, we haven’t set up a paywall. However, because the journalism we conduct is costly, we invite readers to whom The Times of Israel has become important to support our work by joining The Times of Israel Community.

For only $ 6 a month, you can support our quality journalism while enjoying The Times of Israel AD-FREE, as well as access to exclusive content only available to members of the Times of Israel community.

Join our community Join our community Already a member? Log in to no longer see this

Comments are closed.