IAEA confirms: Iran started uranium metal production

Iran has begun producing uranium metal, International Atomic Energy Agency head Rafael Grossi said, Report informs, referring to the Associated Press.

He told member nations that his inspectors had confirmed Feb. 8 that a small amount of uranium metal, 3.6 grams, had been produced at Iran’s Isfahan plant, the Vienna-based organization said.

Uranium metal can also be used for a nuclear bomb. Research on its production is specifically prohibited under the nuclear deal - the so-called Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action - that Tehran signed with Germany, France, Britain, China, Russia, and the US in 2015.

Iran had previously announced the move, saying its plans to conduct research and development on uranium metal production were part of its ‘declared aim to design an improved type of fuel,’ according to the IAEA.