Iran to Reveal Work on Nuclear Detonator

Includes new inspections and addresses detonator concerns
By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff
Posted Feb 10, 2014 6:40 AM CST
Updated Feb 10, 2014 7:41 AM CST
Iran Commits to 7-Step Nuke Agreement
Iran's Ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency, Reza Najafi, speaks to the media at the International Center in Vienna, Austria, Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2013.   (AP Photo/Ronald Zak)

Iran has agreed to boost the transparency of its nuclear program following talks with the UN's International Atomic Energy Agency. The country will provide information on its nuclear work in seven new steps to be taken by May 15, CNN reports; the agreement follows a six-step deal in November. Among the new plans: Iran will reveal details on its efforts involving potential nuclear detonators, the Wall Street Journal reports. A 2011 UN report found that Iran hadn't "explained to the Agency its own need or application of such detonators," which Iran reportedly worked on in 2002 and 2003.

Iran will also allow inspectors "managed access" to its Saghand uranium mine in Yazd and to the Ardakan yellowcake plant, AFP reports. Meanwhile, the country will furnish UN officials with plans for a heavy-water reactor being built in Arak; that reactor, officials fear, could create an alternative means to building a bomb. The Journal calls the new steps "modest," but it notes that the detonator agreement marks the first time Iran has moved on Western concerns regarding military efforts. Meanwhile, the separate six-power talks with Iran are due to resume Feb. 18. (More Iran stories.)

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