Fact Check: Iran is using Fordow to produce most of the near-weapons-grade uranium it has amassed since 2021.

Fact Check: "Iran is using Fordow to produce most of the near-weapons-grade uranium it has amassed since 2021."

What We Know

Iran has been enriching uranium at its Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant (FFEP) since December 2011, initially producing uranium enriched up to 20% for medical purposes (Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant - Wikipedia). As of 2021, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported that Iran has accelerated its enrichment of uranium to near weapons-grade levels, specifically up to 60% U-235, which is significantly closer to the 90% required for weapons-grade uranium (Reuters, AP News).

The Fordow facility is strategically located underground near Qom and is designed to be less vulnerable to military strikes, making it a focal point of concern regarding Iran's nuclear ambitions (Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant - Wikipedia, Economic Times). Reports indicate that Fordow has produced a substantial portion of Iran's enriched uranium stockpile since 2021, with some estimates suggesting it has been responsible for most of the near-weapons-grade material during this period (Wall Street Journal).

Analysis

The claim that Iran is using Fordow to produce most of the near-weapons-grade uranium it has amassed since 2021 is supported by multiple credible sources. The IAEA has consistently reported on Iran's enrichment activities, noting the increase in uranium enrichment levels and the stockpile of near-weapons-grade uranium (Reuters, AP News). Furthermore, the Fordow facility's operational history and its strategic significance in Iran's nuclear program lend credibility to the assertion that it plays a critical role in uranium enrichment.

However, while Fordow is a significant site for enrichment, it is important to note that Iran also enriches uranium at its Natanz facility, which is larger and has a higher capacity (Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant - Wikipedia, Israel's Next Target). Thus, while Fordow is indeed producing near-weapons-grade uranium, it may not be the sole contributor to Iran's total stockpile of such material. The complexity of Iran's nuclear program, which involves multiple facilities, means that attributing the entire production to Fordow alone could be misleading.

The reliability of the sources used in this analysis is generally high, as they include reports from the IAEA, reputable news organizations, and detailed entries from Wikipedia, which are regularly updated and monitored for accuracy.

Conclusion

Verdict: Partially True

The claim that Iran is using Fordow to produce most of the near-weapons-grade uranium it has amassed since 2021 is partially true. Fordow is indeed a significant site for uranium enrichment, contributing to Iran's stockpile of near-weapons-grade uranium. However, it is not the only facility involved in this process, as Natanz also plays a crucial role. Therefore, while Fordow is critical to Iran's enrichment efforts, the assertion oversimplifies the broader context of Iran's nuclear program.

Fact Check: Iran is using Fordow to produce most of the near-weapons-grade uranium it has amassed since 2021.