Iran Shrugs Off Enriched Uranium, Claims Finding Was A ‘Technical Issue’

The discovery that Iran has 27% enriched uranium has worried many international agencies, but the country has shrugged the latest study’s find off as a simple “technical issue.”

The Huffington Post reports that a top Iranian nuclear official stated the traces of enriched uranium discovered by the U.N. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) at an underground bunker are simply a “routine technical issue.”

Ali Asghar Soltanieh, Tehran’s envoy to the International Atomic Energy Agency responded to the study, published Friday, which reported uranium that had been enriched to a higher level than any previous known enrichment grade (90% enrichment means it is perfect for making a nuclear bomb).

Soltanieh stated that the report on Iran’s nuclear activities was actually evidence that proved the peaceful nature of Iranian nuclear activities, and that the uranium discovery was blown out of proportion, according to The Huffington Post. He was quoted as saying:

“This issue shows that some intend to damage the existing constructive cooperation between Tehran and the International Atomic Energy Agency.”

ISIS stated in its analysis of the study, according to The Huffington Post, that:

“This total amount of 3.5 percent low enriched uranium hexafluoride, if further enriched to weapon grade, is enough to make over five nuclear weapons.”

Newser reports that Soltanieh also stated:

“This issue shows that some intend to damage the existing constructive cooperation between Tehran and the International Atomic Energy Agency.”

While Iran has repeatedly refused offers for nuclear material from other countries, they repeatedly insist that their goal in their nuclear program is completely peaceful. According to the AP, IRNA is reporting that Fereidoun Abbasi, Iran’s nuclear chief, will not open the Parchin site, despite the U.N. agency finding 27% enriched uranium at a different site, until the agency can convince the country it is necessary. Abbasi stated Saturday that:

“If a visit to Parchin is to happen, they should convince us in advance. So far, no reason and evidence has been handed to us.”

Check out more information about Iran’s reported 27% enriched uranium here:

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