Iran Proposes Halting Enhanced Uranium Production to Prevent Criticism, Says Monitor

The United Nations' atomic surveillance group has reported that Iran has indicated a possible cessation in the increase of its uranium, enriched to an alarmingly high purity of 60 percent, which is nearing the threshold required for a nuclear weapon.

In an attempt to avoid facing potential criticism for its long-term obstruction of some U.N. nuclear inspectors, Iran is considering halting its enrichment activities, as suggested by various nuclear specialists and a report from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

The confidential document, dated recently and distributed among IAEA member states, reveals that during discussions held in Tehran on November 14, Iran expressed an openness to restrict the growth of its uranium stockpile enriched to 60 percent purity.

Furthermore, by November 16, the IAEA confirmed that Iran had initiated preliminary steps to cease the augmentation of its enriched uranium reserves at its primary enrichment facilities.

David Albright, who leads the Institute for Science and International Security based in Washington D.C., noted Iran’s strategic gesture amid its ongoing refusal to cooperate fully with U.N. inspectors.

He pointed out, “Iran is now offering to limit its enrichment activities to prevent the IAEA board from pursuing a formal resolution that would criticize Iran's lack of cooperation.”

The board representing the agency's member countries is gathered this week, from Wednesday through Friday, to consider and potentially vote on the resolution. Should it pass, this action could result in a comprehensive report on Iran's activities, potentially escalating the matter to the U.N. Security Council for conceivable sanctions.