Vienna, June 01: Iran had produced at least 5.7 kilogrammes (12.5 pounds) of highly-enriched uranium, which it says it is producing for a research reactor, as of early April, according to a restricted UN report seen by AFP on Monday.
“On April 7 2010, Iran withdrew 5.7 kilogrammes of UF6 (uranium hexafluoride) from the first cascade” at its pilot fuel enrichment plant in Natanz, the International Atomic Energy Agency report said.
“According to Iran, this UF6 was enriched to 19.7 percent.”
But a senior diplomat with knowledge of the IAEA’s Iran investigation said that the actual amount was more.
“The 5.7 kilogrammes was in early April. But it has continued to produce it since then. It’s more,” the diplomat said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
The enriched uranium, which Iran says it needs for a research reactor that makes radioisotopes for medical purposes, but which the West fears is ultimately intended for a nuclear weapon, was being produced at an estimated rate of around 100 grammes per day, the diplomat added.
–Agencies