BANGKOK (AP) — Iran continues to produce uranium metal, which can be used in the production of a nuclear bomb, the United Nation’s atomic watchdog confirmed Tuesday, in a move that further complicates the possibility of reviving a landmark 2015 deal with world powers on the Iranian nuclear program. Grossi had previously reported in February that his inspectors had confirmed that a small amount of uranium metal, 3.6 grams, had been produced at Iran’s Isfahan plant. The production of uranium metal is prohibited by the 2015 nuclear deal known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or JCPOA, which promises Iran economic incentives in exchange for limits on its nuclear program, and is meant to prevent Tehran from developing a nuclear bomb. Iran insists it is not interested in developing a bomb, and that the uranium metal is for its civilian nuclear program. Following the latest IAEA report on the increase in uranium metal production, US State Department spokesman Ned Price said the move was “unconstructive and inconsistent with a return to mutual compliance.”“Iran has no credible need to produce uranium metal, which has direct relevance to nuclear weapons development,” he said in a statement.
