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IAEA: Iran Diverted Half of Its 20-Percent-Enriched Uranium to Scientific Use
(Ha'aretz) Amos Harel - Iran has diverted almost 100 kg. of its 190 kg. of 20%-enriched uranium to scientific research, an aspect in the International Atomic Energy Agency's latest report that Israeli policy-makers are emphasizing. IAEA's August report, defense sources say, states that on a number of occasions in the recent past, Iran has allocated uranium enriched to 20% for the manufacture of fuel rods for a research reactor in Tehran, where isotopes can be manufactured for cancer treatment. The moment 20%-enriched uranium is allocated for scientific purposes, it is difficult to put it back on a bomb-making track. Senior Israeli defense officials told Ha'aretz that "Iran has moved the wall back by eight months at least," and Israel's latest position is a consequence of this action. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the UN last month that Israel was extending its deadline for international action on the Iranian nuclear program until the spring of 2013. Iran needs 220-250 kg. of uranium enriched to 20% to make one atomic bomb. Every time Iran enriched more than 130 kg. to 20%, it diverted 15 or 20 kg. to scientific use.