UN: Iran cuts higher-enriched uranium stock
Mar 3, 2014, 11:04 AM
VIENNA (AP) – The head of the U.N. nuclear agency says Iran has cut its stock of uranium that is closest to atomic weapons-grade.
Under an interim deal with six world powers, Iran is to dilute half of its 20-percent-enriched uranium to a lower grade suitable for use as reactor fuel. Yukiya Amano told the agency’s 35-nation board Monday that that process “has reached the halfway mark.”
The other half of the uranium is to be changed into a form that is relatively difficult to reconvert to 20 percent.
Uranium enriched to 20 percent is only a technical step away from the 90-percent level needed for weapons.
Tehran denies wanting nuclear arms but has agreed to temporarily curb atomic work in exchange for sanctions relief as the sides work on a fuller deal.
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