Iran Increases Stockpiles of Nuclear Materials: IAEA

Iran has stayed within the main restrictions of its nuclear deal, a quarterly report by the UN atomic watchdog indicated Friday, but its stockpiles of low-enriched uranium and heavy water are growing.

As of May 26, Iran had 125.2 metric tonnes of heavy water, an increase of 0.4 tons on February but stilم under the 130-tonne limit.

As of 20 May, Iran had 174.1 kg of enriched uranium, up from 163.8kg in February but again well within the relevant of limit 300kg.

Earlier this month, Iran announced that it will no more comply with the nuclear deal restrictions as a protest against US withdrawal from it and imposing economic sanctions on Tehran.

Iran has increased its production of enriched uranium to four times following the recent decision of the Supreme National Security Council, Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization (IAEA) spokesman Behruz Kamalundi said.

Yet, this doesn’t mean withdrawal from the nuclear deal, as Iran is still compelled to commit to other terms in it.

Iran has granted European countries until the eighth of July to save its banking and oil sectors from isolation caused by US sanctions, otherwise it will suspend the implementation of other commitments contained in the nuclear deal.

The signed deal between Tehran and giant states (US, China, Russia, UK, France, Germany) seeks to guarantee that the Iranian nuclear program remains peaceful, while the US lifts its sanctions in return. However, US President Donald Trump pulled out of the deal a year ago.