Iran Activates Advanced Centrifuges Amid UN Nuclear Agency Criticism
Iran Activates Advanced Centrifuges Amid UN Criticism
On Friday, Iran announced it will activate new advanced centrifuges to enrich uranium for its nuclear program. This decision follows criticism from the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog for Iran’s lack of cooperation.
State news agency IRNA reported that Iran plans to activate “a noticeable number of new and advanced centrifuges of different types.” A joint statement from Iran’s foreign ministry and its Atomic Energy Organization emphasized that these steps protect national interests and develop peaceful nuclear energy in line with Iran’s rights.
Enriching uranium involves injecting gas into centrifuges. While this process can lead to the development of nuclear weapons, Iran has persistently denied any intention to build a bomb.
This move responds to a recent resolution by the UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The IAEA’s board urged Iran to improve its cooperation urgently. The IAEA stated that Iran must fulfill its legal obligations to verify that none of its nuclear material is diverted for weaponization.
The IAEA also called for a comprehensive assessment of possible undeclared nuclear material related to Iran’s nuclear program. Tensions have long existed between the IAEA and Iran over undisclosed uranium traces found at non-declared nuclear sites.
Moreover, the IAEA board requested an evaluation of Iran’s past cooperation and any undeclared nuclear materials. Iran criticized this resolution as politically motivated, claiming it was prompted by pressure from three European nations and the U.S., warning that it could provoke “an appropriate response from Iran.”
Iran insists its nuclear program serves peaceful purposes only. However, IAEA chief Rafael Mariano Grossi has warned that Iran has enough uranium enriched to near-weapons-grade levels to potentially create several nuclear bombs if it decides to do so.
Israel Defense Minister Gideon Sa’ar supported the IAEA’s resolution, stating that it plays a crucial role in diplomatic efforts to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
According to the 2015 nuclear deal, Iran was limited to operating around 5,000 older centrifuges and could use advanced centrifuges solely for research. However, after the U.S. withdrew from the agreement in 2018 and reimposed economic sanctions, Iran began to reduce its commitments. By 2019, it had started deploying new centrifuges, marking a significant breach of the deal.
Earlier this year, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that Iran’s breakout time – the period required to produce enough weapons-grade material for a nuclear weapon – is now likely one to two weeks, the shortest estimate from U.S. officials to date.