VIENNA: Iran’s total production of low-enriched uranium has risen by around 15 percent since May to reach 2.8 tonnes, a U.N. nuclear watchdog report said, showing Tehran is pushing ahead with disputed work despite tougher sanctions.

The confidential report, obtained by Reuters on Monday, also said the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) remained concerned about possible activity in the Islamic Republic to develop a nuclear payload for a missile.

Western powers are likely to see the report’s findings as backing up their suspicions that Tehran is seeking to build nuclear bombs and underlining the need for the country to enter serious negotiations to curb its nuclear programme. AGENCIES