Iran uranium "discrepancy" still unresolved - IAEA - Reuters Africa

By Fredrik Dahl

VIENNA (Reuters) - Iran has yet to give an explanation over a small quantity of missing uranium metal from a research site, the U.N. nuclear watchdog said in a report that voiced concern over possible military links to Tehran's nuclear programme.

The discrepancy in uranium quantities at the research site in the Iranian capital came to light after measurements by international inspectors last year failed to match the amount declared by the laboratory.

Experts say the quantity of natural uranium that isn't accounted for is too small to be used for a bomb, but that the metal could be relevant to weapons-linked tests. The United States has expressed concern the material may have been diverted to suspected weapons-related research.

"The discrepancy remains to be clarified," said the latest quarterly report on Iran by the U.N. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), issued to member states on Friday evening.

U.N. inspectors have sought information from Iran to help explain the issue after their inventory last August of natural uranium metal and process waste at the research facility in Tehran measured 19.8 kg (43.6 pounds) less than the laboratory's count.

The 11-page IAEA report also showed that Iran had sharply increased its uranium enrichment drive. The findings, which added to fears of escalating tension between Iran and the West, sent oil prices higher.

Preparatory work to install thousands more centrifuges is under way, potentially shortening the time needed to make high-grade uranium for nuclear weapons.

Iran says it is enriching uranium only as fuel for nuclear power plants, not atomic weapons, but its refusal to curb the activity has drawn increasingly tough sanctions aimed at its oil exports.   Continued...