Iran Declares It Is Doing More Nuclear Enrichment After I.A.E.A. Rebuke
New York TimesDec 07, 2024
Iran has announced plans to install 32 new cascades of centrifuges at its Fordow and Natanz facilities, including an unprecedented array of 1,152 advanced IR-6 machines, significantly expanding its uranium enrichment capabilities.
On Thursday, the International Atomic Energy Agency's confidential report claimed that Iran plans to enrich uranium up to 5% purity using eight IR-6 centrifuge cascades recently installed at Fordow, adding to its existing infrastructure of over 10K 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.
The expansion of nuclear capabilities is a legitimate response to Western failures in upholding commitments under the 2015 nuclear deal and continued sanctions pressure. The program remains peaceful, and Iran maintains its right to develop nuclear technology for civilian purposes.
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 a lack of cooperation with IAEA inspectors — raises serious proliferation concerns.