DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – Iran’s nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency, announced on Friday that Iran is set to ramp up its uranium enrichment activities at two key facilities – Fordo and Natanz, using thousands of advanced centrifuges. This decision comes amidst heightened tensions over Tehran’s nuclear program, as it continues to enrich uranium at levels close to that of weapons-grade purity.
While the IAEA’s notice only mentioned Iran enriching uranium to 5% purity with the new centrifuges, significantly lower than the current 60%, it indicates a willingness on Iran’s part to engage in negotiations with the West and the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump. However, uncertainty looms over how Trump will approach Iran once he assumes office, especially considering Iran’s threats against Israel amid its conflict with Hamas in Gaza and following a ceasefire in Lebanon.
Iran’s diplomatic mission to the United Nations has yet to comment on the IAEA’s report, despite Iran’s earlier threats of advancing its nuclear program in response to the agency’s condemnation in November for lack of cooperation.
The IAEA outlined Iran’s plans, revealing that the country intends to utilize its advanced IR-2M, IR-4, and IR-6 centrifuges across 45 cascades to enrich uranium. These cascades, which spin uranium gas together to expedite the enrichment process, are expected to enrich uranium at a faster rate than Iran’s existing baseline centrifuges.
The commencement of uranium feeding into the centrifuges remains unclear, as Iran has been relatively ambiguous about its plans. However, starting enrichment at 5% gives Iran added leverage in negotiations with the West and provides a means to escalate pressure if needed. It is important to note that enrichment levels considered weapons-grade typically reach around 90%.
Since the collapse of the 2015 nuclear deal, following the US withdrawal in 2018, Iran has steadily pursued nuclear enrichment just below weapons-grade levels. US intelligence agencies maintain that Iran has yet to initiate a weapons program. In response to Iran’s recent announcement, the US State Department expressed deep concern and emphasized Iran’s lack of cooperation with the IAEA.
Iran, as a signatory to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, is obligated to permit IAEA inspections of its atomic sites to ensure the peaceful nature of its program. Despite commitments made under the 2015 nuclear deal, Iran has restricted inspectors’ access to certain sites and failed to provide complete responses regarding past nuclear material discoveries.
While Iranian officials have signaled a willingness to negotiate with the West, recent attacks on Israel have complicated diplomatic efforts. Iranian diplomat Kazem Gharibabadi criticized Europe for its handling of the nuclear issue, emphasizing the importance of a diplomatic solution and the need to address regional tensions to avoid further escalation.
The ongoing developments in Iran’s nuclear program underscore the complexities of diplomatic relations and the challenges posed by escalating tensions in the region. As Iran moves to enhance its uranium enrichment capabilities, the international community faces a critical juncture in efforts to address nuclear proliferation concerns.