Tehran
Iran is ready to produce 20 percent enriched uranium at its underground Fordo nuclear facility “as soon as possible,” said Ali Akbar Salehi, the head of Iran’s civilian Atomic Energy Organization. “We are like soldiers and our fingers are on the triggers,” he told Iranian state television. The 20 percent figure is much higher than the threshold set in the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, and though it’s well below the grade required to make a bomb, The Guardian has previously reported the early stages of enrichment are the most challenging, and it gets easier over time.
The plan came to light Friday, and both Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency have since confirmed that Tehran has informed the agency of its preparations. The decision comes amid escalating tensions between Tehran and both Washington and Jerusalem following the assassinations of Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani — which was carried out by the U.S. in a drone strike almost exactly one year ago.— Agencies
