An Iranian government spokesman said Tehran has started enriching uranium by up to 20% in an underground facility.
State news agency IRNA quoted Ali Rabiei on Monday as saying that President Hassan Rouhani gave the order for the move to Fordo’s premises.
The 20% enrichment is a short technical step away from the 90% weapon grade levels.
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In this photo released by the official website of the Iranian Presidency’s office, President Hassan Rouhani speaks during his press conference in Tehran, Iran, Monday, December 14, 2020. (Iranian Presidency office via AP)
Iran’s decision to start enriching to 20% a decade ago almost brought an Israeli attack on its nuclear facilities, tensions that only eased with the 2015 atomic deal. A resumption of 20% enrichment could bring a return to temerity.
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The move comes after President Donald Trump unilaterally pulled the United States out of Iran’s nuclear deal with world powers in 2018. Since then, there have been a series of growing incidents between the two countries.
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