BICOM

Iran has failed to meet an agreed deadline to supply information to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) over its nuclear programme and at the same time announced new advanced uranium enrichment tests.

An IAEA report in 2011 suggested that Iran had, until 2003 and possibly since then, conducted research into developing nuclear weapons. Iran had refused to answer the allegations but in November, Tehran agreed with the IAEA that it would comply with seven transparency steps to help address suspicions.

Iranian leaders had agreed to clarify a number of concerns by 25 August. One of the issues is thought to be the development of so-called Explosive Wire Detonators, which can be used to help trigger an atomic explosion, but which Iran claims were being developed for civilian use. An unnamed source is quoted by Reuters suggesting that Iran could yet respond to the IAEA’s requests before 3 September, when the nuclear watchdog is set to release its latest quarterly report on Iran’s nuclear activity.

Although negotiations between the IAEA and Iran are separate from a parallel diplomatic process between Tehran and the P5+1 powers (US, UK, France, Russia, China and Germany), they are considered complimentary, as a measure of Iranian openness. Following several rounds of talks, the P5+1 and Iran agreed last month to extend talks on a long-term arrangement over Tehran’s nuclear development to 20 November, with the international community concerned that Iran aims to develop a nuclear military capability. It is thought that the next round of talks between Iran and the P5+1 is set to take place before the opening of the United Nations General Assembly on 16 September.

However, in a development likely to further alarm the international community, a senior Iranian official announced yesterday that Tehran conducted “mechanical” tests on a new, advanced machine to refine uranium. Iranian atomic energy chief Ali Akbar Salehi said that, “Manufacturing and production of new centrifuges is our right.”