Iran has significantly increased its uranium enrichment activities, bringing it closer to weapons-grade levels, according to Rafael Grossi, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Grossi highlighted Iran’s aggressive steps, including a dramatic acceleration of uranium enrichment to 60% purity, which is nearing the 90% threshold required for nuclear weapons.
Previously, Iran enriched approximately seven kilograms of uranium per month at this level. However, recent measures have pushed production above 30 kilograms monthly. Grossi emphasized that this marked a substantial and deliberate acceleration. “They are pressing the gas pedal,” he remarked.
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The Implications of Iran’s Accelerated Enrichment
IAEA standards indicate that approximately 42 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60% can, if further refined, yield enough fissile material for one nuclear bomb. Iran now possesses an estimated 200 kilograms of uranium at this level, signaling a potential threshold breach in its nuclear capabilities. Grossi noted that while installing and activating additional centrifuges would require time, the trend of acceleration was evident. “We are going to start seeing steady increases from now,” he warned.
Grossi reiterated the need for diplomacy, especially between Iran and key international players, as the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) continues to unravel.
Despite the JCPOA’s provisions allowing European signatories to activate the “snapback mechanism” and reimpose sanctions in response to violations, major European powers have hesitated to take such steps. This reluctance has emboldened the Iranian regime to advance its nuclear program with minimal international repercussions.
Source » ncr-iran