Helsinki: The United Nations nuclear watchdog is holding up its talks with Tehran on improving cooperation by Iran with the agency, following the deaths of Iran’s president and foreign minister in a helicopter crash, according to Rafael Grossi, the head of the watchdog.
“The mourning period is still in progress because I have to respect it,” said Grossi at a nuclear conference held in Helsinki.
“Afterward, however, we will start talking again,” he stated. “This is only an indefinite pause that I hope will take no more than several days.”
Grossi added that technical discussions planned between Iran and IAEA had yet not happened due to last weekend’s helicopter accident, which killed President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian.
The range of issues facing the IAEA in Iran include barring multiple highly skilled uranium-enrichment experts from its inspection team recently by Tehran as well as failing to explain traces of uranium discovered at undeclared sites despite years of investigation by the IAEA.
While continuing with its uranium enrichment program, Iran would like the IAEA to expand its oversight over Iranian atomic activities. No country has ever enriched uranium above 90% purity without developing weapons; however, Iran is enriching uranium up to 60% purity presently.
According to Tehran’s statement it is purely for peaceful purposes.
As at now, Grossi said Iran had approximately 140 kg of uranium enriched up to 60%. If further enriched as defined by IAEA this theoretically could be used for three nuclear bombs. In February last year’s quarterly report from the agency it was revealed that there were already enough reserves for two bombs standing at 121.5 kg.
Grossi stated that about nine kg are formed monthly by Iran through enrichment up to 60%. Additionally, they also have lower levels where they can produce enough material for some other possible bombs.
Two weeks ago Grossi stated his wish that concrete outcomes from Iran on improved cooperation should be seen soon but he expressed that more comprehensive agreement would need “a little more time.”
