IAEA CHIEF WELCOMES IRAN'S PLAN TO CAP ENRICHED URANIUM STOCKPILE

VIENNA, Nov 21 (Bernama-Xinhua) -- Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi on Wednesday welcomed Iran's move towards capping its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, describing it as "a concrete step in the right direction."

Grossi reported Xinhua, briefed a quarterly meeting of the IAEA Board of Governors earlier in the day about his visit to Iran last week, where he held talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and senior officials.

The discussions focused on "the possibility of Iran not further expanding its stockpile of uranium enriched up to 60 per cent U-235," and the technical verification measures required for the IAEA to confirm compliance if the plan is implemented.

The IAEA also verified last week that Iran had "begun implementation of preparatory measures aimed at stopping the increase of its stockpile of uranium enriched up to 60 per cent U-235" at two enrichment facilities.

Despite this progress, Grossi noted that Iran's stockpile of uranium enriched to 20 per cent and 60 per cent U-235 had continued to grow since his last report on the country's nuclear programme. He emphasised that the agency would continue its exchanges with Iran on the capping of highly enriched uranium.

In a related development, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and Grossi reaffirmed their commitment to continued dialogue during a phone call on Wednesday. Both stressed the importance of avoiding "unconstructive and confrontational" approaches, according to a statement from the Iranian Foreign Ministry.

Regarding this week's IAEA board meeting, Araghchi warned that Iran would respond "appropriately" if any anti-Iran resolution were proposed during the session.

European powers are reportedly pushing for a new resolution at the IAEA board meeting, aiming to pressure Tehran over its alleged "poor cooperation." 

--BERNAMA-XINHUA