US blasts Iran's uranium metal production as 'unconstructive'
The State Department condemned Iran's violations of the deal following a UN watchdog report that found Tehran has produced 200 grams of uranium metal enriched up to 20%.
The Biden administration is demanding Iran cease its “nuclear escalations,” warning that Tehran’s continued production of banned uranium metal will further undermine the diplomatic process as Washington seeks to revive the landmark nuclear agreement.
Rafael Grossi, the head of the United Nations’ International Atomic Energy Agency watchdog, reportedly told member countries on Monday that Iran has manufactured 200 grams of uranium metal enriched up to 20%.
"On 14 August 2021, the Agency verified … that Iran had used 257 g of uranium enriched up to 20% U-235 in the form of UF4 (uranium tetrafluoride) to produce 200 g of uranium metal enriched up to 20% U-235," Grossi said, according to Reuters.
Uranium metal can be used as a central component in a nuclear warhead. Iran’s production of the material is a major violation of the 2015 nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which called for a 15-year ban on Iran producing or acquiring uranium metals.
