UN atomic watchdog confirms Iran has started enriching uranium up to 20% purity, technical step away from weapons-grade

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iran has officially started restricting international inspections of its nuclear facilities, a bid to pressure European countries and U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration to lift crippling economic sanctions and restore the 2015 nuclear deal. World powers slammed the restrictions as a “dangerous” move. It came as the International Atomic Energy Agency reported in a confidential document distributed to member countries and seen by The Associated Press Tuesday that Iran had added 17.6 kilograms (38.8 pounds) of uranium enriched to 20% to its stockpile as of Feb. 16. It was the first official confirmation of plans Iran announced in January to enrich to the greater purity, which is just a technical step away from weapons-grade levels.