The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) recently issued a report stating that it has detected particles of 83.7% enriched uranium in Iran. Although this level is below the 90% needed to produce an atomic bomb, the IAEA cannot yet say whether this limit was reached intentionally or not.
These particles were found in January during sample collection at the Fordo underground plant, and the IAEA has requested clarification of their origin. In a letter quoted by the IAEA, Iran denied that it wanted to acquire an atomic weapon, referring instead to “unintended fluctuations” in the enrichment process.
The International Atomic Energy Agency is looking for answers
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi plans to visit Iran in the coming days. The visit comes as relations have deteriorated between Iran and the agency, due to the severe limitation of inspections and the disconnection of surveillance cameras last year.
The context of tense negotiations
In addition, negotiations to renew the 2015 agreement to limit Iran’s atomic activities in exchange for a lifting of international sanctions have been stalled since the summer of 2022. These negotiations, which began in Vienna between Tehran and the major powers in April 2021, have been stalled since August 2022 due to growing tensions between the parties.
The international community must act quickly
Weapons control expert Kelsey Davenport believes that the detection of 83.7% enriched uranium should serve as a “wake-up call” to the international community. He called on the United States and Iran to “define a new strategy to defuse the crisis”. CIA chief William Burns also expressed concern about the rapid progress of Iran’s nuclear program.
Although the United States does not believe that Iran has made a decision to resume the militarization of its nuclear program, the escalation of military cooperation between Tehran and Moscow is also a major concern for the international community.
