The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has confirmed that Iran is enriching uranium at an undisclosed location, citing uranium enrichment at the Fordow site since November 9, a move that violates the 2015 nuclear deal with major powers.
The IAEA's latest report on Iran's nuclear program said it had detected traces of natural uranium from a human source at an undisclosed location.
The agency pointed out that Iran is still beyond several restrictions set by the nuclear agreement, including with regard to the level of enrichment of enriched uranium and its stockpile, and enrichment with advanced centrifuges.
It said Iran's stockpile of enriched uranium was constantly rising, and that its level of uranium enrichment remained above the limit allowed by the deal, noting that Tehran was enriching uranium in more sophisticated centrifuges, something that the deal prevents.
The report said Iran had stepped up uranium enrichment, with its current stockpile of enriched uranium reaching 551 kg, while the ceiling set in the nuclear deal with international powers was 300 kg.
Sources said the IAEA took samples from the site in the Turkzabad district of Tehran last spring, and that Iran had been slow to provide answers to explain the results.
| Rouhani says his country's nuclear power doubled (Anatolia) |
International concern
France, Germany and Britain were quick to express "deep concern" at a meeting of foreign ministers in Paris to discuss the latest developments in the Iranian nuclear file.
The foreign ministers of these countries said in a statement that Iran's move violates the clear provisions of the nuclear agreement on the site of Fordow and will have serious consequences, adding that it represents a regrettable acceleration of Iran's retreat from its obligations in the Comprehensive Joint Plan of Action.
In the statement, the European countries stressed the importance of full and uncompromising commitment to the terms of the nuclear agreement by all parties, adding that they are determined to continue all efforts to maintain the agreement, which is in the interest of all.
"We are ready to continue our diplomatic efforts to create conditions and help reduce the escalation in the Middle East in order to maintain international peace and security," the ministers concluded.
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has said his country's nuclear power has doubled and that staying in the nuclear deal is in its best interest.
Iran announced days ago the resumption of uranium enrichment at Fordow facility, in violation of the nuclear agreement - known as the Comprehensive Joint Plan of Action - reached between Iran, Germany, France, Britain, Russia, China and the United States.
The agreement bans the production of nuclear material at the highly sensitive Fordow facility, which Iran hid until it was discovered by UN inspectors in 2009.