The US State Department on Wednesday refused to concede that Iran violated its nuclear agreement with the US and other countries by stockpiling more heavy water than allowed under the deal, the US State Department spokesman Mark Toner said.
"Yes, they exceeded the allowable amount of heavy water that they were permitted," Toner said. "I'm not sure whether that constitutes a formal violation, to be honest with you."
Toner suggested that Iran's decision not to hide the excess heavy water was a mitigating factor. "It's important to note that Iran made no effort to hide this. They're taking immediate steps to address it," the Washington Examiner cited him as saying.
The International Atomic Energy Agency concluded that Iran had stockpiled heavy water, a material needed for nuclear reactors, at a level that exceeds the amount they're allowed to maintain under the terms of the deal. The IAEA made that determination in a Nov. 2 report.
