Iran: UN member set off alarms

Iran has alleged that the United Nations inspector it blocked from a nuclear site last week tested positive for suspected traces of explosive nitrates. The UN’s nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency, disputed Iran’s claim.

The allegation made by Iranian representative Kazem Gharib Abadi came after Iran injected uranium gas into centrifuges at its underground Fordo nuclear complex, taking its most significant step away from its 2015 nuclear deal with world powers. These latest steps by Iran put additional pressure on Europe to offer Tehran a way to sell its crude oil abroad despite the US sanctions imposed on the country.

The October 28 incident happened at Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility, which includes the majority of the centrifuges now enriching uranium in the country. The entrance includes equipment to check for traces of nitrates, Abadi said.

“The detector’s alarm went off and it was signalling to a specific person,” he said. “They have repeated this procedure again and again, and unfortunately, the results were the same all the way for only that specific inspector.” As they waited for a female employee to search the inspector, the woman went off to the bathroom. Abadi said that when she came back, she no longer tested positive.

Iran’s nuclear industry has been targeted by sabotage and its scientists assassinated in the past.

Nitrates are a common fertiliser. However, when mixed with proper amounts of fuel, the material can become a powerful explosive.