The United Nations’ International Atomic Energy Agency reported that Iran had exceeded the heavy water allotment of 130 metric tons by 0.10 metric tons (100 kilograms). Heavy water is used as a coolant for nuclear reactors that can produce substantial amounts of plutonium which can be applied to making the fissile core of nuclear warheads. That is why the concerns have grown in the UN and its permanent members involved in the deal – U.S., United Kingdom, Russia, France, China and the European Union. American President Barack Obama’s nuclear treaty with Iran was considered a landmark achievement but Trump during his election campaign termed it as ‘the worst deal ever negotiated’ and said he would “police that contract so tough they (the Iranians) didn’t have a chance.”
However, Wednesday’s report said that Iran had served notice it would resolve the issue by exporting 5 metric tons, which is over the excess amount. A diplomat who requested anonymity said that Iran had told the IAEA that the shipment would be leaving their country within the next few days. The IAEA verified the over storage after IAEA chief Yukiya Amano “expressed concerns” to top Iranian officials. “On November 2, 2016, the director general expressed concerns related to Iran's stock of heavy water to the vice president of Iran and president of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, Ali Akbar Salehi,” the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said. U.S. State Department spokesperson, Mark Toner also confirmed Iran’s intention to export the excess amount of heavy water.
He said, “It's important to note that Iran made no effort to hide this, hide what it was doing from the IAEA.” This is the second time that Iran has been found violating the treaty since it signed the deal in exchange of relieving sanctions placed on the country. The last time it overstocked beyond the threshold, Iran invited major criticism from the countries that signed the deal. In light of Trump’s recent ascend to the White House, many are raising questions of how his government will deal with Iran. The comments made by Trump have already brought ties with Iran into stark focus.
Iranian Prime Minister Ali Hosseini Khamenei and President, Hassan Rouhani had spoken against Trump after the first Presidential debate. In addition to that, extremists in Iran have already pushed for global isolation which discouraged foreign investors. Officials in the nation have claimed that if Trump continued his hostile attitude towards Iran, it would unite the extremists which will prove costlier for both the countries. One of the officials claiming anonymity said, “If Trump adopts hostile policies towards Iran, this will empower hardliners in Iran.” “Trump's victory will unite Iran's hardliners and their supporters. It means more political pressure at home and an aggressive regional policy,” another official said.
Concerns about investments in Iran