Reuters Report on Iran's Increase of 60% Enriched Uranium

On Saturday, December 8, Reuters reported, citing a "Western diplomatic source," that the increase in the amount of 60% enriched uranium by the Iranian government is "seriously concerning." According to this unnamed source, this action by the Islamic Republic "has no valid civilian justification and, conversely, could directly fuel a military nuclear program if [the government] decides to do so." The Western diplomatic source added that the actions of the Islamic Republic of Iran contradict its statements about readiness to return to negotiations. The U.S. expressed deep concern on Friday, December 7, regarding Iran's nuclear activities, stating: "We are deeply concerned about the continued escalation of tensions by the Islamic Republic and its lack of cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The production and accumulation of enriched uranium to the level of 60% has no valid civilian justification." These statements were part of the U.S. State Department spokesperson's response to the Persian section of Voice of America, reacting to comments made by Rafael Grossi, the Director General of the IAEA, who had reported a significant increase in enriched uranium by the Islamic Republic. The U.S. spokesperson added: "As we have stated clearly many times, Iran must begin full cooperation with the Agency without any delay." He continued: "The United States is closely coordinating with its three European partners (Britain, France, and Germany) and the IAEA to ensure the full implementation of Iran's safeguards commitments and hold the Islamic Republic accountable for its non-compliance with these commitments." According to the U.S. spokesperson: "President Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken have made it clear that the United States will ensure that Iran never obtains a nuclear weapon. We are prepared to use all national power tools to achieve this goal." Rafael Grossi, who was in Manama, Bahrain, for the "Manama Dialogue" security summit, stated in an interview with Reuters: "Iran's capacity to produce 60% enriched uranium is significantly increasing." He explained that the production rate, which was previously 5 to 7 kilograms per month, has now increased to "seven to eight times or even more." According to a report from the Agency, which was seen by Reuters, the production of 60% enriched uranium at the Fordow facility has reached over 34 kilograms per month. The Islamic Republic has also announced that it will now use 20% enriched uranium instead of 5% enriched uranium in two cascades of centrifuges at Fordow. The Agency's report warned that these changes could affect the intensity and frequency of mandatory inspections by the Agency at the Fordow facility. Grossi's new statements came after he had announced last month, following a trip to Tehran, that Iran had accepted his "request" to limit its 60% enriched uranium stockpile. At that time, Grossi described Iran's action as "a tangible step in the right direction." However, some diplomats indicated that Iran's action was conditional on the absence of a resolution from the Board of Governors. The Board of Governors of the Agency condemned Iran's non-cooperation and secrecy in its nuclear activities with the adoption of a resolution on December 1. The U.S. National Intelligence stated that the Islamic Republic has reached the capability to rapidly produce nuclear weapons. Grossi stated that the Iranian government is significantly increasing its 60% enriched uranium reserves. A British admiral claimed that Israel has "almost destroyed the entire air defense" of the Iranian government. An agreement was reached to continue dialogue; this was the result of a meeting with the Iranian delegation in Geneva. The U.S. stated: "We are deeply concerned" about the escalation of nuclear tensions by the Iranian government. Britain stated that the Iranian government's nuclear ambitions are a "global threat." Senior officials from the Iranian government and three European countries met in Geneva. Abbas Araghchi threatened the West: "Sanction us, and we will build a nuclear bomb."