Iran is reducing its most proliferation-prone nuclear stockpile as required by its deal with world powers, but much work remains to be done to resolve all concerns about Tehran’s activities, the U.N. atomic watchdog chief said Monday.
Among measures Iran is taking since the interim agreement took effect on Jan. 20 is the dilution of its stock of higher-enriched uranium to a fissile concentration less suitable for any attempt to fuel an atomic bomb.
Separately, the IAEA is investigating suspicions – largely believed to be based on intelligence provided by Western states and Israel – that Iran has researched how to construct an atomic bomb.
Amano made clear his determination that those allegations – experimentation and tests to develop the expertise needed to turn fissile material into a functioning atomic bomb – must be cleared up.
“The measures implemented by Iran, and the further commitments it has undertaken, represent a positive step forward, but much remains to be done to resolve all outstanding issues,” the veteran Japanese diplomat said.
He said clarification of all issues related to the possible military dimensions to Iran’s nuclear program is “essential.”
The IAEA has a pivotal role in checking that Iran is living up to its part of the six-month accord in curbing its disputed nuclear program in exchange for some easing of sanctions that have impaired its oil-dependent economy.
“As of today, measures agreed under the Joint Plan of Action are being implemented as planned,” Amano said, referring to the Nov. 24 agreement struck in Geneva between Iran and the United States, Germany, France, Russia, China and Britain.
These included “the dilution of a proportion of Iran’s inventory” of 20 percent uranium gas to a lower enrichment level, which “has reached the halfway mark,” he told the IAEA’s 35-nation board, according to a copy of his speech.
Under the accord, Iran suspended enrichment of uranium to 20 percent fissile concentration – a relatively short technical step away from the level required for nuclear bombs – and is taking action to neutralize its holding of the material.