BICOM

Iran is considering suspending the development of 20% enriched uranium for a six month period in return for sanctions relief, according a report in Al Monitor quoting US official sources. Iran is also considering converting their existing stockpile of 20% enriched uranium for medical use, following a proposal made by P5+1 powers in talks held in Almaty, Kazakhstan last month. However, Iran objects to other demands made in the talks, including suspension of other enrichment activities at the sensitive Fordow enrichment site.

The P5+1 powers reportedly offered to suspend sanctions on gold and other precious metals and relax restrictions on the import of petrochemical products in return for a cessation of activities at Fordow, at talks in February. Proposals were fleshed out in technical discussions held in Istanbul last week and another round of talks will take place in Almaty on 5-6 April.

The Iranian stockpile of 20% enriched uranium is a particularly sensitive issue, since uranium enriched to such a level could quickly be further developed into weapons grade material. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defined Iranian acquisition of enough 20% enriched uranium to make one bomb as a red line at a speech to the UN in September. Iran is only months away from that point, at current levels of enrichment. Tehran is keen to bring about sanctions relief which is taking a heavy toll on its economy, but so far has done nothing to curb activities which are carrying it towards the ability to build nuclear weapons. The current diplomatic process has been going on for nearly a year without progress, with Israel repeatedly expressing the concern that Iran is using the open ended talks to buy time.