Iran steps up uranium enrichment at underground plant

Iran has intensified its activities of enrichment with advanced equipment.

Iran has intensified its uranium enrichment activities using, in its Fordow underground plant, advanced equipment capable of moving more easily from one level of enrichment to another, according to a report from the International Atomic Energy Agency seen by Reuters on Saturday.< /p>

The IAEA found on Saturday that Iran had started supplying h up to 5% enriched uranium exafluoride the cascade of 166 IR-6 centrifuges with modified subsensors at Fordow, the report says.

According to the report confidential, Iran informed the agency on July 7 and the IAEA was able to verify this fact a few days later.

Western diplomats have repeatedly expressed concern over the use of this technology, which makes it much easier and faster to upgrade to higher purity levels.

The Iran has notified the IAEA of its intention to use these devices to enrich its uranium up to 20%, according to the report.

Tehran produces by elsewhere 60% enriched uranium at its Natanz site. Weapons-grade uranium is enriched to approximately 90%.