Iran accelerates uranium enrichment to near weapons-grade levels

Earlier, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Mr. Rafael Grossi, announced on Friday that Iran is stepping up uranium enrichment to 60% purity, just a very small distance from 90% - the threshold considered nuclear weapons grade.

The IAEA later confirmed this information in a confidential report to member states, saying that Iran was accelerating its uranium enrichment process, which is a key step in using this raw material for either civilian nuclear energy or potentially for nuclear weapons.

A Western diplomatic source said: "The information released by the IAEA Director General, showing a significant increase in Iran's production capacity of highly enriched uranium at 60%, is extremely serious. These actions have no credible civilian rationale and, on the contrary, could directly support a military nuclear program if Iran decides to do so."

The source also stressed that the move goes against Iran's statements about its desire to return to credible negotiations.

Iran's actions come amid a stalemate in nuclear talks aimed at reviving the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The JCPOA limited Iran's uranium enrichment to 3.67%, but Tehran has gradually scaled back its commitments since the US withdrew from the deal in 2018 under the administration of former President Donald Trump.

The acceleration of uranium enrichment has increased tensions between Iran and Western countries, especially as these countries fear that the move could lead to the development of nuclear weapons, despite Iran's constant denials.

The international community, including the IAEA, is closely monitoring the situation and calling on Iran to return to its commitments and seek a diplomatic solution to avoid escalating the conflict.

Hong Hanh (according to Reuters, CNA)