Iran can resume uranium enrichment at 20% grade in 24 hours

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif affirmed Wednesday the ability of his country to resume uranium enrichment at 20 percent grade within just 24 hours. In a speech at the University of Tehran, Zarif said the interim deal, reached with the P5+1 in Geneva late last month, did not affect the structure of the Iranian nuclear program. If need be, Iran can accelerate the enrichment of the nuclear fuel to 20 percent overnight, the minister said. The Geneva deal acknowledges twice Iran's right to domestic uranium enrichment, he said, noting that the Iranian negotiators refused to yield to any unacceptable conditions. The interim deal specifies a one year for both sides prepare for the start of negotiation on a final deal, Zarif said, noting that the time schedule for the final stage has yet to be determined. Iran was able to enrich 450 kilograms of uranium at a 20 percent grade in the past, he added.