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Iran declares uranium enrichment levels of 60% ahead of more nuclear deal talks

The increase brings the Islamic Republic closer to the 90% level required to build a nuclear bomb and was in response to the alleged Israeli cyberattack at an Iranian nuclear facility.
A general view of the Natanz nuclear enrichment facility is seen on April 9, 2007, 180 miles south of Tehran, Iran.

Iran announced the beginning of 60% uranium enrichment on Tuesday. Such a level, which is nearing the degree required to develop a nuclear weapon, violates the Iran nuclear agreement at a time when the United States is seeking to return to it.

On Tuesday, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Abbas Araghchi informed the International Atomic Energy Association, which regulates the international use of nuclear energy, that Iran would begin enriching uranium at 60%. The increase was in response to the alleged Israeli cyberattack on the Iranian nuclear facility in Natanz on Sunday, the state Mehr News Agency reported.

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