Exclusive | U.S. Expresses Concern Over Continued High-Enriched Uranium Production in Iran; We Will Increase Pressure

A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, in response to the Persian section of Voice of America regarding a new report from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which was leaked to some media outlets before its public announcement on Monday, stated that Washington is concerned about the continuation of high-enriched uranium production in Iran. The spokesperson, while refraining from commenting on the details of the IAEA's unpublished reports, said that we remain concerned about the ongoing development of the Islamic Republic's nuclear program in ways that have no legitimate civilian purpose, including the continued production of highly enriched uranium. He further clarified in his response to the Persian section of Voice of America that the United States appreciates the IAEA's extensive efforts to engage with the Islamic Republic of Iran regarding unresolved past issues related to Iran's safeguard commitments. This media official of the U.S. State Department emphasized that Washington knows Tehran's cooperation with the IAEA is severely lacking and added that we continue to fully support the efforts of this United Nations nuclear oversight body and its Director General, Rafael Grossi. Three major international news agencies reported on Monday that the IAEA stated in a report that Iran's enriched uranium stockpiles have increased close to the levels required for nuclear weapon production. According to this report, the Islamic Republic's stockpile of 60% enriched uranium has increased by 20.6 kilograms since the last quarterly report from the IAEA in Esfand of last year, reaching over 142 kilograms. Uranium enriched to 60% purity is only a short technical step away from the 90% enrichment needed for nuclear weapon production. Iran is the only non-nuclear country in the world that produces uranium enriched to 60%. According to the IAEA's definition, Iran needs at least 42 kilograms of 60% enriched uranium to produce one nuclear bomb. In other words, assuming the accuracy of the figures provided by the IAEA, the Islamic Republic currently possesses enough enriched uranium to produce three nuclear bombs. The IAEA's latest report also accused the Islamic Republic of not yet reassessing its decision made in Shahrivar 1402 to prohibit the most experienced IAEA inspectors from monitoring its nuclear program; it expects the Iranian government to take this action within the framework of ongoing bilateral consultations. This spokesperson for the U.S. State Department also responded to a report from an American media outlet stating that Washington is pressuring two European countries, Britain and France, not to issue a resolution condemning Tehran's lack of cooperation at the upcoming IAEA Board of Governors meeting next week. In response to Voice of America, he said: We are increasing pressure on Iran through sanctions and international isolation, as recently seen in the coordinated actions of the G7 following the Islamic Republic's attack on Israel last month. This U.S. State Department official emphasized that no decision has been made regarding the upcoming Board of Governors meeting, and any speculation about early decisions is premature. We are closely coordinating with our three European partners (Germany, France, and Britain). The Wall Street Journal, citing unnamed diplomats, reported that while London and Paris are working on a plan against Tehran, the Biden administration opposes such a move, arguing that such a resolution would escalate tensions with the Islamic Republic ahead of the U.S. presidential elections this fall.