Iran has resumed enrichment of uranium to 20% purity – the most serious violation of the 2015 nuclear deal. It is reported by the BBC.
In December 2020, experts from the Arms Control Association stated that 120 kg of uranium enriched to 20% is about half of the amount of uranium that, when enriched to weapons-grade quality (90% or more), is needed to create a single nuclear bomb.
As noted, today, January 4, the global nuclear safety watchdog has confirmed that the process has begun at an underground plant in Fordow.
European Union spokesman Peter Stano said the move by Iran represents “a significant departure from Iran’s nuclear commitments under the JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action – ed.) With serious consequences.”
Low-enriched uranium, which is typically 3-5% U-235, can be used to produce fuel for commercial nuclear power plants.
Highly enriched uranium has a concentration of 20% or more and is used in research reactors. Enriched uranium can be used to make reactor fuel as well as nuclear bombs.
Under the nuclear deal, Iran was only allowed to enrich uranium to 3.67% purity; store no more than 300 kg of material; operate no more than 5060 of the oldest and least efficient centrifuges; and he was required to completely stop enrichment in Fordow.
But Iran has taken steps to “reduce” those commitments since Trump reinstated US sanctions to force him to negotiate a change to the deal.
These steps included stockpiling low enriched uranium, producing 4.5% enriched uranium, restarting advanced centrifuges, and resuming enrichment activities at Fordow.
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