The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was meeting with officials in Iran on Saturday, days after it was revealed that the country had enriched particles of uranium to near weapons-grade, raising new alarm over its long-disputed nuclear programme.
Rafael Mariano Grossi, the chief of IAEA declined to comment on his discussions during a press conference with the head of Iran’s nuclear program, saying the delegation’s work was still ongoing.
“It’s an atmosphere of work, of honesty and cooperation,” Grossi said. He was expected to speak with reporters again upon his return to Vienna later on Saturday, reports AP.
Earlier this week, the Vienna-based IAEA reported that uranium particles enriched up to 83.7% — just short of weapons-grade — were found in Iran’s underground Fordo nuclear site.
The confidential quarterly report by the IAEA, which was distributed to member states on Tuesday, came as tensions were already high amid months of anti-government protests in Iran and Western anger at its export of attack drones to Russian forces fighting in Ukraine.
Nonproliferation experts say Tehran has no civilian use for uranium enriched to even 60 per cent. A stockpile of material enriched to 90 per cent, the level needed for weapons, could be quickly used to produce an atomic bomb if Iran chooses.
Iran’s 2015 nuclear deal with world powers limited Tehran’s uranium stockpile and capped enrichment at 3.67 per cent — enough to fuel a nuclear power plant.
Grossi’s last visit to Iran was in March 2022.
Bd-pratidin English/Golam Rosul
