IAEA: Iran Slows Nuclear Enrichment Programme, No Progress On Talks

The International Atomic Energy Agency has told members that Iran's stockpile of weapons-grade uranium has grown at a slower pace than in previous months but there has been no progress on talks to resolve the discovery of uranium traces at undeclared sites.

• According to confidential reports, IAEA Director Rafael Grossi "regrets that there has been no progress in resolving the outstanding safeguards issues in this reporting period."
• Laurence Norman at WSJ reports that the decrease in enrichment activity may be aimed at easing tensions with Washington: "Iran significantly slowed the pace at which it is accumulating near-weapons-grade enriched uranium in recent months... a move that could ease tensions with the U.S. and help open the way to broader negotiations over its nuclear program."
• WSJ: "[According to IAEA] Iran added 7.5 kilograms—about 16.5 pounds—of 60% enriched uranium in the three months to August, far less than the 51.8 kilograms it added in the previous six months."
• The report suggests the possibility to further talks with Iran despite a surprise decision by BRICS last month to formally invite Iran to join the bloc - a move widely seen as reducing Iran's isolation and limiting the effectiveness of US sanctions.