Iran Uranium Near Bomb-Grade in Focus at Atomic Watchdog
- Slowdown in accumulation would be seen as diplomatic signal
- Iran, US have been inching toward understanding to deescalate
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Iran is slowing the rate at which it’s stockpiling near weapons-grade uranium, the UN nuclear watchdog is expected conclude next month, adding to an easing of Persian Gulf tensions that’s already seen Tehran and Washington discuss the release of prisoners and more oil pour onto global markets.
International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors are preparing to circulate their quarterly Iran safeguards report ahead of the Vienna-based agency’s Sept. 11 board meeting. Some nuclear officials predict the IAEA data will show Iran is moderating its production of highly-enriched uranium, a key component of an atomic bomb. Iran says its program is peaceful.