Iran: In 10 days, we will break through the uranium stockpile limit from the nuclear agreement

In the next 10 days, Iran will break through the uranium stockpile limit set by the international nuclear agreement between Tehran and the major powers, the spokesman of the Iranian nuclear agency, Behrouz Kamalvandi, said today, adding that the country needs uranium enriched to 20 percent, which is only a step below the level required for making nuclear weapons.

Today's announcement signaled Iran's determination not to abide by the historic 2015 deal, from which the US pulled out last year and reimposed tough sanctions on Tehran, which had the effect of sharply weakening Iran's economy.

In a news conference broadcast live on state television, Kamalvandi said Iran had already quadrupled its production of low-enriched uranium and added that Tehran would increase uranium enrichment levels "based on its needs."

That increase could be up to any level above the 3,67 percent limit set by the nuclear deal between Iran and six major powers - the US, Russia, China, Great Britain, France, Germany, and the European Union.

Tehran's announcement came at a time of increased tensions between the US and Iran and after the alleged attacks on two oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz on Friday, which Washington blamed on Iran.