Kazakh yellowcake uranium transfer to Iran would be illegal

WASHINGTON — The United States has warned that any potential transfer of yellowcake uranium to Iran would violate UN Security Council sanctions.

“The transfer of uranium to Iran is prohibited, unless the uranium in question is low enriched and the uranium is incorporated in assembled nuclear fuel elements for use in light water reactors (LWRs),” State Department spokesman Ian Kelly said Tuesday responding to what he said were “press queries about reports that Iran is in negotiations with an entity in Kazakhstan for uranium.”

“Consequently, the transfer of any uranium yellowcake — which would not qualify for this exemption — to Iran would constitute a clear violation of UNSC sanctions,” Kelly warned.

“Full implementation of existing (UN) sanctions is a vital aspect of the international community’s efforts to prevent Iran’s acquisition of a nuclear weapons capability through diplomacy,” Kelly added.