Iran's Uranium Could Fuel 2 Warheads: Inspectors

...But only if they enriched it
By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff
Posted Sep 7, 2010 9:44 AM CDT
Iran's Uranium Could Fuel 2 Warheads: Inspectors
The reactor building of the Bushehr nuclear power plant is seen, just outside the southern city of Bushehr, Iran, Saturday, Aug. 21, 2010.   (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

Iran’s uranium stockpile would be sufficient to build two nuclear warheads if Tehran was able to further enrich it, according to a new report from the International Atomic Energy Agency. But Iran’s enrichment activities actually appear to be slowing; it fed uranium into only about 43% of its centrifuges, a decrease since the last report, according to the LA Times.

The watchdog agency also expresses frustration that Iran booted two particular IAEA inspectors “with experience in Iran’s nuclear fuel cycle and facilities.” The agency also wants better and quicker access to Iran’s facilities, but Iran argues that it has no obligation to oblige, since its parliament never ratified the nuclear nonproliferation treaty. Despite the tensions, Iran’s envoy to the IAEA was pleased with the report, saying it confirms that Iran’s using its uranium for civilian purposes. (More International Atomic Energy Agency stories.)

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