Israel warned Saturday that an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) report seen by Western media this weekend proves Iran’s nuclear development program is anything but peaceful.
The office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that the “grave and unequivocal report … presents a stark picture that serves as a clear warning sign: despite countless warnings by the international community, Iran is totally determined to complete its nuclear weapons program.”
The report, prepared in response to a request by the IAEA Board of Governors, showed that as of May 17, Iran possesses 408.6 kilograms (900.8 pounds) of 60 percent enriched uranium, which can easily and swiftly be upgraded to 90 percent enriched weapons-grade nuclear fuel.
The figure constitutes an increase of 133.8 kilograms (294.9 pounds) – nearly 50 percent — of highly enriched uranium since the agency’s last report in February, when Iran’s stockpile of 60 percent enriched uranium stood at 274.8 kilograms (605.8 pounds).
In addition, the report noted that Tehran obstructed IAEA investigations into uranium traces found at three undeclared sites suspected of previously housing a covert weapons program – Turquzabad, Varamin and Lavisan-Shian – that appeared to have been “sanitized” to conceal past nuclear development activities.
“The report strongly reinforces what Israel has been saying for years — the purpose of Iran’s nuclear program is not peaceful,” Netanyahu’s office said.
“This is evident from the alarming scope of Iran’s uranium enrichment activity. Such a level of enrichment exists only in countries actively pursuing nuclear weapons and has no civilian justification whatsoever.”
Netanyahu’s office added that the report shows that Iran remains in non-compliance of its fundamental commitments and obligations under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), and continues to withhold cooperation from IAEA inspectors.
The findings of the report are to be presented at the IAEA Board of Governors meeting on June 9. The United States, UK, France and Germany (the latter three known as the “E3”) plan to submit a resolution at that time to the IAEA Board of Governors that would declare Iran non-compliant with its non-proliferation obligations.
A similar move 20 years ago prompted the United Nations Security Council to impose sanctions against the Islamic Republic in 2006.
“The international community must act now to stop Iran,” Israel urged.
