Rome, 13 April 2024 – In November, according to theInternational Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Iran has accelerated its production of enriched uranium at levels (60%) close to that necessary (90%) to produce atomic weapons. Accelerating the production of uranium 235 enriched to 60% U-235 is concerning because the material can be rapidly enriched to 90% and have material capable of being used in atomic bombs.
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In a report from December 26, 2023the IAEA noted that in December Iran was producing approx nine kilograms of uranium enriched to 60%. Iran was producing at a similar rate in early 2023, but decreased production by about two-thirds as of June 2023.
At the beginning of 2024, first there would have been an increase and then there would have been a slowdown: lInternational Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Indeed, he stated on February 26 that Iran’s nuclear stockpile of uranium enriched to 60% have been reduced to 121.5 kilogramsas compared to 128.3 kg in October 2023. The decrease in the Iranian stock enriched to 60% is equal to the difference between the 60% enriched quantity produced from November (25kg) and the quantity diluted from 60% to 20% in mid-February (31.8 kg at 60% in 97.9 kg of uranium enriched at 20%).
According to the IAEA, approx 42 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60% are the quantity with which it is theoretically possible to creation of a single atomic bomb. Which means that Iranwith the quantity in his possession, could build three atomic bombs. According to the IAEA, Iran’s enriched uranium reserves and its combined centrifuge capacity are sufficient to produce enough “weapon grade” uranium to produce seven nuclear weapons in one monthnine in two months, eleven in three months.
For the IAEA since last November, in Iran the total amount of enriched uranium (at different concentrations) stored it increased by 1,038.7 kg to 5,525.5 kg.
It is clear that Iran must decide what to do, whether to try to acquire an atomic bomb or respect its commitment to non-proliferation. The impression is that he is trying to put on the negotiation table the quantity of uranium enriched to 60% as pressure tool to extract other concessions, in particular on sanctions. A dangerous game.
