Iran tells inspectors it plans up to 20% enrichment at Fordo

A satellite image of the site of Iran’s underground Fordo nuclear site (Maxar Technologies/AP)

Iran has told international nuclear inspectors it plans to enrich uranium up to 20% at its underground Fordo nuclear facility – a technical step away from weapons-grade levels – as it increases pressure on the West over its tattered atomic deal.

Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency acknowledged the step after news leaked concerning a letter it sent to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Russia’s representative to the IAEA similarly acknowledged Iran’s letter on Twitter, though the agency did not immediately respond to a request for comment.