IAEA Gives Notice on Enrichment Cap

The head of UN nuclear agency said on Monday Iran is complying with obligations limiting uranium enrichment, but two diplomats said the agency has told Tehran unless it slows the process it could soon bust through its cap on low-enriched uranium. A nuclear deal between Iran and world powers stipulates that Iran can possess only LEU and no more than 300 kilograms at any time.

Even a slight violation of Iran’s enrichment commitments would be politically volatile at a time when the deal is on shaky ground. The incoming US administration wants the agreement renegotiated and many American lawmakers oppose it.

Iran says it will not renegotiate the deal and accuses the US of reneging on commitments to lift sanctions.

The two senior diplomats, whose main focus is Iran’s nuclear program, spoke with AP only on condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to discuss confidential messages between the International Atomic Energy Agency and Iran.

Asked whether he had concerns about Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium, IAEA chief Yukiya Amano told reporters after weekend talks with top Iranian officials in Tehran that Iran is within the limits “for now”.