IAEA Director Visits Iran Following Uranium Enrichment Detection
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported last week that inspectors had detected uranium particles enriched to 84% purity in Iran, a potential major new escalation that US officials called worrisome. This news comes at a time of heightened tensions between Iran and Israel, prompted by Iran’s expanding atomic program, along with its closer military collaboration with Russia.
In response to this development, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi visited the Islamic Republic of Iran on 3 and 4 March 2023. During his visit, he held meetings with President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, H. E. Mr. Ebrahim Raisi, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, H. E. Mr. Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and the Vice-President of the Islamic Republic of Iran and President of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), H. E. Mr. Mohammad Eslami.[0] After these meetings, Grossi stated that he had “constructive” discussions with Iranian officials.[1]
The IAEA’s confidential quarterly report revealed that particles of uranium enriched to 83.7 percent were found during the inspection of Iran’s Fordow nuclear facility on January 22. This is a close enough percentage to the near-weapons grade level of 84 percent that Grossi has had to discuss the matter further with Tehran.
The detection of uranium particles enriched to such a high purity level is causing worldwide concern and has prompted Israel to consider a potential strike. As the situation continues to develop, the implications of Grossi’s visit to Iran will be felt globally.
0. “Joint Statement by the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA …” International Atomic Energy Agency, 4 Mar. 2023, https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/pressreleases/joint-statement-by-the-atomic-energy-organization-of-iran-aeoi-and-the-international-atomic-energy-agency-iaea
1. “President Raeisi, IAEA chief hold meeting” Mehr News Agency – English Version, 4 Mar. 2023, https://en.mehrnews.com/news/198089/President-Raeisi-IAEA-chief-hold-meeting
