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Snapshot 4:Fri, Nov 29, 2024 5:38:07 PM GMT last edited by KateHennig

IAEA: Iran to Expand Nuclear Program

IAEA Report: Iran Plans to Expand Nuclear Program

Above: Director General of the IAEA Rafael Grossi (L) and head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, Muhammad Islami, in Tehran on Nov. 14, 2024. Image copyright: Fatemeh Bahrami/Contributor/Anadolu via Getty Images

The Facts

  • 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.According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Iran plans to install over 6K extra uranium-enriching centrifuges at its Fordow and Natanz facilities in a move the UN watchdog warns would significantly expand 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.On Thursday, the IAEA's confidential report also 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.


The Spin

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 escalationescalations 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.


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