Iran Nuclear Detection of Uranium Enrichment to 84% Purity
Recently, inspectors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have found uranium enriched to 84% purity in Iran’s nuclear facility.
It is noteworthy that the amount of enrichment up to 84% is only slightly less than the level required to develop a nuclear weapon.
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
- The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was established in 1957. It’s headquarter is located in Vienna (Austria).
- The IAEA is a global center for cooperation in the nuclear sector. It promotes the reliable, safe and peaceful use of nuclear technology.
Uranium-
- Uranium is a radioactive heavy metal. Its atomic number is 92. Uranite (UO2) is its primary ore.
- It is found in association with other mineral deposits such as autunitite, carnotite, torburnite, samarkite etc. In addition, it is also present in small amounts in soil and water.
- Uranium occurs naturally in three major isotopes. These isotopes are U-238 (99.27 percent), U-235 (0.72 percent) and U-234 (0.006 percent).
- Enriching uranium refers to the creation of an effective nuclear fuel. In this process, U-235 is enriched by removing the U-238 found in natural uranium at different enrichment levels.
Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA):
- In 2015, a nuclear deal was signed with Iran. This agreement is known as Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
- Under this, Iran can enrich uranium only up to the level of 3.67 percent.
- JCPOA was signed by Iran and P5+1 countries. P5+1 include – USA, UK, China, Russia, France and Germany.
- In 2018, the United States pulled out of the nuclear deal and reimposed sanctions on Iran. Since then, Iran has been violating sanctions agreed under the deal.
Source – Business Standard
