Iran has told international nuclear inspectors it plans to enrich uranium up to 20% at its underground Fordo nuclear facility – a technical step away from weapons-grade levels – as it increases pressure on the West over its tattered atomic deal.
Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency acknowledged the step after news leaked concerning a letter it sent to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Russia’s representative to the IAEA similarly acknowledged Iran’s letter on Twitter, though the agency did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The move comes amid heightened tensions between Iran and the US in the waning days of the administration of President Donald Trump, who unilaterally withdrew America from Tehran’s nuclear deal in 2018.
Iran has told international nuclear inspectors it plans to enrich uranium up to 20% at its underground Fordo nuclear facility – a technical step away from weapons-grade levels – as it increases pressure on the West over its tattered atomic deal.
Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency acknowledged the step after news leaked concerning a letter it sent to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Russia’s representative to the IAEA similarly acknowledged Iran’s letter on Twitter, though the agency did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The move comes amid heightened tensions between Iran and the US in the waning days of the administration of President Donald Trump, who unilaterally withdrew America from Tehran’s nuclear deal in 2018.