Iran has initiated the operation of new cascades of advanced centrifuges and plans to install additional ones in the coming weeks at its underground nuclear sites, according to the United Nations’ International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). This development follows recent criticism and a censure resolution from the UN nuclear watchdog, prompting concerns and warnings from the United States and other international actors.
The IAEA report, seen by Reuters, details that Iran has rapidly installed two more cascades of uranium-enriching centrifuges at its Fordow site and has begun installing more at its Natanz facility. These steps are viewed as significant escalations in Iran’s nuclear program, with the U.S. State Department describing the actions as having “no credible peaceful purpose.”
On Friday, leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) nations urged Iran to halt its nuclear escalations and warned of potential new measures if Iran transfers ballistic missiles to Russia. The G7 statement emphasized the need for Tehran to reverse its uranium enrichment activities, which currently lack any civilian justification.
In a confidential report sent to member states on Thursday, the IAEA confirmed that Iran had started feeding uranium into three cascades of advanced IR-4 and IR-6 centrifuges at its Natanz facility. Cascades are groups of centrifuges that work together to enrich uranium more quickly. Iran informed the IAEA that it plans to install additional IR-6 centrifuges at the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant (FFEP) over the next three to four weeks.
The installation of these centrifuges and the enrichment of uranium up to 60% purity bring Iran closer to weapons-grade levels of 90%. This progress increases concerns among Western nations about Iran’s potential to develop nuclear weapons. Currently, Iran enriches uranium up to 60% at both Natanz and Fordow sites.
The IAEA has noted that Iran’s recent activities are part of a broader pattern of nuclear escalation in response to international pressures and resolutions. Eighteen months ago, following a similar resolution, Iran began enriching uranium to 60% at a second site and significantly expanded its enrichment program.
Iran’s actions come amid ongoing tensions with the West, exacerbated by the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. The U.S. and its allies have warned that they are prepared to increase pressure on Iran if it does not cooperate with the IAEA. The Biden administration has issued directives to halt the anti-vax campaign that was part of the Pentagon’s clandestine operations aimed at countering Chinese influence.
In response to the IAEA’s report and the G7’s warnings, Iran has not publicly acknowledged its decisions but has threatened to take further actions following the recent IAEA Board of Governors’ resolution. This resolution called on Iran to enhance cooperation with the agency and reverse its recent restrictions on inspector access.
The international community remains concerned about Iran’s nuclear ambitions and its impact on global security. Diplomatic efforts continue to urge Iran to engage in serious dialogue and provide assurances that its nuclear program is exclusively peaceful, in line with the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) agreements and the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
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