Iran and the United States have reached a deal to end their conflicts, which may lead to discussions about Iran’s nuclear program. There are significant concerns about Iran’s uranium-enrichment efforts, as the U. S. and allies fear it might enable Iran to produce nuclear weapons. While civilian nuclear plants generally require uranium to be enriched to 5%, Iran has enriched uranium to levels as high as 60%, close to the 90% needed for weapons-grade material. Israel and the U. S. attacked Iranian nuclear facilities last June to prevent further progress, but the U. N. nuclear agency has not found credible evidence of a coordinated nuclear weapons program in Iran.
As a signatory of the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, Iran has the right to develop nuclear technology for peaceful purposes and insists it will not produce nuclear weapons. However, it is the only country enriching uranium to 60% without having made a nuclear bomb, raising alarms from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
The recent bombings by Israel and the U. S. damaged Iranian enrichment plants, but much of the enriched uranium likely survived. Before the attacks, the IAEA estimated that Iran had about 440.9 kg of uranium enriched to 60%, potentially enough for 10 nuclear weapons. The IAEA believes over 200 kg may still be in a tunnel complex at Isfahan, with more at Natanz. Iran has not allowed IAEA inspectors to assess the situation or report on its enriched uranium stocks following the bombings.
In addressing the nuclear program, former President Trump emphasized that Iran should not be able to develop nuclear weapons. A new agreement will need to tackle several issues, including the disposal of highly enriched uranium, the level and amount of enrichment permitted in Iran, the need for a thorough inventory of materials and centrifuges, and the enforcement of compliance measures. Discussions are focusing on possible compromises like “downblending” highly enriched uranium and a possible moratorium on enrichment for several years, along with the necessary oversight to verify compliance.
With information from Reuters
