 A nuclear power plant in southern Iran. (Photo: AFP/VNA) |
"On 14 August 2021, the Agency verified that Iran had used 257g of uranium enriched up to 20% U-235 in the form of UF4 (uranium tetrafluoride) to produce 200g of uranium metal enriched up to 20% U-235," the International Atomic Energy Agency said, adding that this was step three in a four-step plan by Iran.
Iran's work on enriched uranium metal has angered Europe's three top powers and the United States because that technology, and knowledge of how to produce it, can be used to make the core of a nuclear bomb.
Iran insists its aims are entirely peaceful and it is developing a new type of reactor fuel.