Director of Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Ali Akbar Salehi
said on Thursday during an interview on state TV that Iran has recently reduced
its 240-kilogram stock of 20% uranium to 140 kilograms, a 42% drop, by
converting it to fuel rods for a medical research reactor. Salehi added that
the rest of the stockpile was being converted as well. (IRIB/AP, 13 September)
The original stock, if it was further enriched to 90% purity, was nearly sufficient to build a nuclear weapon. The conversion of 20% uranium into fuel rod, however, makes it unusable for weaponization purposes. Hence, the move is seen as the strongest signal yet from Tehran that the new government wants to allay fears about the country’s nuclear program.
“Although we know the nuclear case against us is fabricated, we are ready to relieve the other side’s concern,” Salehi said.
The original stock, if it was further enriched to 90% purity, was nearly sufficient to build a nuclear weapon. The conversion of 20% uranium into fuel rod, however, makes it unusable for weaponization purposes. Hence, the move is seen as the strongest signal yet from Tehran that the new government wants to allay fears about the country’s nuclear program.
“Although we know the nuclear case against us is fabricated, we are ready to relieve the other side’s concern,” Salehi said.
1 comment:
Surprise! The Iranians are keeping their word about 20% LEU going to fuel rods.
If only Obama had kept his word to the Turks and Brazilians back in '10, this (not so) surprise would be, well, not so surprising to to the folks relying merely on uncritical, mainstream newswire reporting.
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