07/09/2010 12:45
US concerned over IAEA report on Iranian nuclear program
The White House said is concerned about U.N. nuclear watchdog's latest report on Iran that it had increased production of the low-enriched nuclear material by 15% since May.
"The IAEA's latest report on Iran again demonstrates that Iran is refusing to comply with its international nuclear obligations, and continues its effort to expand its nuclear program and move closer to a nuclear weapons capability. This is troubling to all who care about non-proliferation and global security," White House spokesman Tommy Vietor said Monday.
The IAEA said Iran has produced about 2.8 tons of low-enriched nuclear material (against May’s 2,43 tones). The report indicated that separate enrichment for what Iran says will be fuel for its research reactor has produced about 22 kilograms of higher-grade uranium at 20 percent purity.
This makes the United States and its allies accuse Iran of using its civilian nuclear program as a cover to develop atomic weapons. Meanwhile, Iran denies the charge.