Iran has taken preparatory action to start a delayed uranium conversion plant it needs to fulfil an interim nuclear agreement reached with six world powers last year before the accord expires this month, diplomatic sources said.
The start-up of the facility would show Iran’s commitment to the landmark Nov. 24 deal as it holds talks with the United States, Russia, France, Germany, Britain and China on a long-term settlement of the dispute over its atomic aims.
But in view of still wide gaps in negotiating positions, some diplomats and experts believe the negotiations - and the preliminary agreement - may need to be extended.
Under the accord that runs for six months until July 20, Iran is supposed to convert a large amount of low-enriched uranium gas into an oxide form that would be less suitable for processing into nuclear bomb material. It was one of the terms of the deal that won Tehran some easing of sanctions.
To be able to do that, it has been building a facility near the central city of Isfahan for turning the gas into powder.
After months of delays, the UN International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in May said the plant’s commissioning had begun, but it was still not operating.
Since then, however, the sources said practical steps had been taken indicating the work could start soon, if it had not already. They include removal of IAEA seals on a uranium gas cylinder, necessary before connecting it to the conversion line.
With time running short, the issue is closely watched by diplomats monitoring Iran’s compliance with the November accord.