Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization head, Ali Akbar Salehi, reported this week that following recent expansion, Iran is now producing an estimated 500 grams of 20% enriched uranium daily. This is to be used to fuel of the Tehran Research Reactor, which makes medical isotopes.
Iran was producing 20% enriched uranium ahead of the P5+1 nuclear deal, and stopped at this point. They restarted over protests surrounding the deal, and the lack of sanctions relief they were promised.
Referencing this, Salehi reiterated what Iranian officials have long said, that Iran is ready and willing at any time to reverse back to the terms of the nuclear deal, on condition that the other parties do. In effect, if sanctions relief comes, Iran would return to requirements under the deal.
That’s been Iran’s plan all along, but with the US so far resisting engagement and European nations unable to come up with sanctions relief on their own, Iran has steadily expanded their uranium enrichment program.
This has put Iran far from the position of other P5+1 parties, but President-elect Joe Biden still offers high hopes for a US return to the pact, and a potential new chance at a serious round of sanctions relief.
Biden has not commented on his intentions, but other Democrats, notably Sen. Menendez (D-NJ) put forward the idea that Biden would follow the trend of hostility toward Iran and try to force them into an even worse deal.
There is never any reason to believe Sen. Menendez about anything. He is a fool.