Iran has not credibly answered the U.N. nuclear watchdog's long-standing questions on the origin of uranium particles found at three undeclared sites despite a fresh push for a breakthrough, the agency said in a report seen by Reuters on Monday.
The lack of progress could set up a new diplomatic clash with the West when the International Atomic Energy Agency's 35-nation Board of Governors meets next week. If Western powers seek a resolution criticising Tehran it could deal a further blow to stalled efforts to revive the 2015 nuclear deal.
A separate quarterly IAEA report seen by Reuters said Iran's stockpile of uranium enriched to 60%, close to the roughly 90% that is weapons grade and in a form that can be enriched further, is estimated to have grown by 9.9 kg to 43.1 kg., defined as "the approximate amount of nuclear material for which the possibility of manufacturing a nuclear explosive device cannot be excluded".
A senior diplomat cautioned, however, that in practice it would take more than 55 kg of uranium enriched to 60% to make one bomb because some material is wasted during enrichment.Western powers fear Iran is getting closer to being able to sprint towards producing a nuclear bomb if it chose to, though Iran says its intentions are entirely peaceful.
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Biden administration in 'indirect' talks with Iran over detained AmericansThe Biden administration is engaging in 'indirect' talks with Iran regarding its wrongful detainment of Americans, President JoeBiden’s point man for nuclear negotiations said.
Read more »
US concerned Chinese 'efforts to manipulate' UN rights chief Xinjiang visitWashington had warned before Bachelet made her long-planned visit to China that authorities would not grant her the necessary access to get a full assessment of the human rights situation.
Read more »
‘Joyland’ Director Saim Sadiq & Producer Apoorva Guru Charan Talk Un Certain Regard Jury Prize Winner – Cannes StudioUn Certain Regard Jury Prize winner Joyland has the distinction of being the first Pakistani film in official selection in Cannes. Director Saim Sadiq told Deadline’s Cannes Studio that he learned …
Read more »