VIENNA: Iran is planning to start up a plant in June that will convert low-enriched uranium gas into an oxide form less suitable for making nuclear bombs, as required by a deal with world powers, diplomats said.
Under last year’s interim accord with six major powers to help ease tension over Iran’s nuclear program, it needs to take action by late July to limit its stockpile of uranium gas refined to a fissile concentration of up to five percent.
It was one of the terms of the six-month accord between Iran and the United States, France, Germany, Britain, Russia and China to curb Tehran’s atomic activities in exchange for some easing of sanctions that took effect on January 20.
In its report, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said the commissioning of the conversion plant near the central city of Isfahan — final tests that were originally due last year — had now begun.
Asked at a technical briefing for diplomats earlier this week when it was expected to begin operating, a senior IAEA official said the launch was planned for the second half of June, according to people who attended the meeting.
“From what I hear that still allows for all the (conversion) work to be done by mid-July,” one Western envoy said.
The IAEA report said Iran had transferred 4.3 tonnes of low-grade uranium gas to the Isfahan site from its Natanz enrichment plant, in a possible sign that it was preparing to start conversion into oxide powder in the near future.
REUTERS
