(AFP/Yahoo) - UN atomic energy inspectors see a pattern in Iran of radiation contamination that could indicate attempts to enrich uranium to bomb-grade levels, diplomats close to the agency said. Reflecting the current thinking of investigators, one diplomat said particles of highly enriched uranium have been found in specific sites, hinting that "someone brought material or equipment and then removed it." IAEA inspectors have reported two such concentrations - at a Kalaye Electric Company workshop in Tehran and at the Natanz pilot fuel enrichment plant. Traces found at "one room in the Kalaye Electric Company workshop" were particles of "uranium enriched to 36%," according to an IAEA report in February. Iran has been asked to explain this "particularly in light of its declaration that it has not enriched uranium to more than 1.2%," the report said.
2004-05-14 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive