Israel Matzav

Yes, the final deal allows Iran to enrich uranium

The full and final text of the P 5+1 deal with Iran has been released and it includes a continued 'right of enrichment' for Iran. That means that the deal contemplates that Iran can continue - and in any final deal will be able to continue - to enrich uranium.

The goal for these negotiations is to reach a mutually-agreed long-term comprehensive solution that would ensure Iranˈs nuclear program will be exclusively peaceful. Iran reaffirms that under no circumstances will Iran ever seek or develop any nuclear weapons. This comprehensive solution would build on these initial measures and result in a final step for a period to be agreed upon and the resolution of concerns. This comprehensive solution would enable Iran to fully enjoy its right to nuclear energy for peaceful purposes under the relevant articles of the NPT in conformity with its obligations therein. This comprehensive solution would involve a mutually defined enrichment program with practical limits and transparency measures to ensure the peaceful nature of the program. This comprehensive solution would constitute an integrated whole where nothing is agreed until everything is agreed. This comprehensive solution would involve a reciprocal, step-by step process, and would produce the comprehensive lifting of all UN Security Council sanctions, as well as multilateral and national sanctions related to Iranˈs nuclear program.

And if you thought that Iran was not going to be keeping any of that already-enriched 20% uranium... you're wrong.

Iran would undertake the following voluntary measures:

* From the existing uranium enriched to 20%, retain half as working stock of 20% oxide for fabrication of fuel for the TRR. Dilute the remaining 20% UF6 to no more than 5%. No reconversion line.

And that's just the start. Read the whole thing.  What you won't find is Iran giving up any of those centrifuges, which means it will retain the capacity to do high speed enrichment.

What could go wrong?

Labels: Iran sanctions regime, Iranian nuclear threat, P 5+1, uranium enrichment

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 6:13 PM