Vienna, Feb 26 (EFE).- Iran has quadrupled its production of highly enriched uranium near weapons-grade levels in recent months, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said on Wednesday.<\/p>
The increased production of uranium enriched to 60% purity, just a step away from the 90% required for nuclear weapons, has raised \u201cserious concern,\u201d the UN agency said.<\/p>
According to an IAEA report accessed by EFE, Iran has installed and operated additional machinery to enhance enrichment, accumulating 274 kilograms of 60%-enriched uranium, a 50% increase since October.<\/p>
The IAEA also voiced deep concern over Iran\u2019s lack of cooperation in resolving key questions about the nature of its nuclear activities.<\/p>
As long as these uncertainties persist, the agency warned, it cannot guarantee that Iran\u2019s nuclear program is entirely peaceful.<\/p>
Iran accelerated its uranium enrichment shortly after the IAEA Board of Governors passed a resolution condemning the country\u2019s lack of transparency.<\/p>
Additionally, Iran has not implemented the Non-Proliferation Treaty\u2019s inspection protocol for the past four years, further restricting international oversight of its nuclear facilities, the agency said.<\/p>
Iran\u2019s nuclear program has remained a focal point of international concern since the 2015 signing of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) between Iran and six world powers, including the US.<\/p>
In 2018, during Trump\u2019s first term, the US unilaterally withdrew from the agreement and reinstated sanctions on Tehran. In response, Iran exceeded the uranium enrichment limits set by the JCPOA.<\/p>
Efforts to revive the deal have so far been unsuccessful.<\/p>
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has raised concerns that Iran is the “only non-nuclear-weapon state” enriching uranium to 60% purity, a level close to weapons-grade material. EFE<\/p>
as\/bks<\/p>
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