Iran reducing nuclear program in line with deal, but shelved centrifuges

Iran’s stockpile of low-enriched uranium has increased in the past three months even though Tehran is supposed to reduce it significantly under a deal with major powers, the United Nations nuclear watchdog said on Wednesday in a confidential report seen by Reuters.

The changes, made with foreign help, will cut off a possible route to an atomic bomb, with the reactor being used for research.

Nuclear monitors have been present during every stage of the removal process, according to two senior diplomats familiar with the IAEA’s role in Iran.

“We were informed today that all foreign ministers of the six countries in the (nuclear) negotiations as well as the European Union Foreign Policy Chief have signed the document on redesigning and modernizing the Arak heavy water reactor”, Salehi said, adding that the document has been officially adopted.

“The other side has guaranteed to cooperate”.

Adoption of the nuclear deal reached between Iran and six world powers in July was on October 18.

The IAEA report said Iran had taken out 4,500 centrifuges, around a quarter of its estimated 19,000 total, showing Iran has a few way to go before all its commitments are met. Under the deal Iran is to keep 5,000 active centrifuges. That’s more than 300 fewer than before the implementation day.

Since then, the IAEA report shows that Iran has reduced the number of centrifuges it uses to enrich uranium, a potential pathway to nuclear arms. Once IAEA monitors have verified that Iran has met its commitments, oil and banking sanctions that have dragged on the economy of 77 million people will be lifted.

Iran says the allegations are false and based on bogus intelligence.