Iran Declares It Is Doing More Nuclear Enrichment After I.A.E.A. Rebuke
New York TimesNOV 20 2024
The International Atomic Energy Agency's confidential report revealed Iran's intention to enrich uranium up to 5% purity using eight IR-6 centrifuge cascades recently installed at Fordow, adding to its existing infrastructure of over 10,000 operating centrifuges.
This expansion follows a censure resolution passed by the 35-nation IAEA Board of Governors, which urged Tehran to increase cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog and provide explanations for uranium particles found at undeclared sites.
Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araghchi suggested that reimposing UN sanctions could push Tehran to reconsider its nuclear doctrine, marking a potential shift in the country's long-standing position on nuclear weapons development.
Iran's nuclear expansion and hints at doctrine changes represent dangerous escalation that could lead to weapons development. The installation of advanced centrifuges and increased enrichment capabilities, combined with lack of cooperation with IAEA inspectors, raises serious proliferation concerns.