UN watchdog: Iran producing uranium in excess of nuclear deal limits

A watchdog for the United Nations is reporting that Iran is producing uranium in excess of the limits set in the multinational landmark 2015 nuclear deal.

The Associated Press obtained a confidential document from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) showing Iran had a stockpile of 2,442.9 kilograms (5385.7 pounds) of low-enriched uranium as of Nov. 2.

This is up from 2,105.4 kilograms (4,641.6 pounds) reported on Aug. 25.

The nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, was signed five years ago between Iran and the United States, Germany, France, Britain, China and Russia. It allows Iran a maximum of 202.8 kilograms (447 pounds).

The United States withdrew from the deal under President Trump, who had long criticized the agreement negotiated by the Obama administration. President-elect Biden has backed rejoining the agreement, saying he hopes to do so. 

Iran has also continued to enrich uranium to purities up to 4.5 percent, which is higher than the 3.67 allotted by the deal, according to the document obtained by the AP.

The Washington-based Arms Control Association published an analysis warning Iran now has more than double the resources needed to make a nuclear weapon, but IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said his agency does not make that assessment.