US: Uranium Enrichment to 60% Has 'No Credible Peaceful Purpose'

In a press conference on Tuesday, the Deputy Spokesperson for the US State Department refrained from commenting on the International Atomic Energy Agency's report regarding Iran but stated, "We have clearly said that the production of uranium enriched to 60% by the Islamic Republic has 'no credible peaceful purpose.'" Vedant Patel added, "We are aware of press reports regarding the accumulation of uranium enriched to 60% by the Islamic Republic; however, we cannot comment on the IAEA report, which has not yet been made public." The Deputy Spokesperson noted, "No other country in the world uses uranium enriched to 60% for the claimed (peaceful) purposes." In response to a question about "any discussions or negotiations regarding the nuclear issue" with the Islamic Republic, he said, "We currently have no 'new updates' to provide and refer you to our previous statements on this matter made a few weeks ago." The press conference also addressed the issue of five dual-national Americans under house arrest in the Islamic Republic, with Patel emphasizing ongoing monitoring and commitment to their safe return. Concerns were also raised about a Swedish citizen detained by the Islamic Republic, but the Deputy Spokesperson stated that this issue has no connection to the situation of the dual-national Americans. Patel confirmed the State Department's view that Shahab Dalili does not fall into the category of 'wrongfully detained' but assured that ongoing assessments and updates regarding such cases will be conducted. The Deputy Spokesperson also highlighted the "role of the Islamic Republic" in "supplying drones to Russia" in the Ukraine war, emphasizing the United States' readiness to act against entities supporting Russia's aggression to "hold the Islamic Republic accountable." Reuters, France Press, and the Associated Press previously reported that Iran's stockpile of uranium enriched to 60% purity, "which is close to the level needed for nuclear weapons production," continues to increase, and no progress has been made in negotiations with the Islamic Republic on sensitive issues such as the origin of uranium particles at undeclared sites. The IAEA: Iran's stockpile of uranium enriched close to weapons-grade is increasing. Bloomberg: International atomic inspectors will report a slowdown in the accumulation of highly enriched uranium. Nuclear energy from 'an inalienable right' to 'the regime's prestige'; Eslami: Nuclear energy is our prestige. Grossi: The Islamic Republic has not answered the Agency's questions; 'JCPOA' is an empty shell. Bloomberg's claim of an 'unwritten oil agreement' between the Islamic Republic and the US. Deep concerns of senior Republican representatives in the House of Representatives regarding a 'potential agreement' between Biden and the Islamic Republic. The Wall Street Journal: Iran has reduced the speed of accumulation of 'highly enriched uranium'; the White House: we do not confirm but welcome it.