Iran is set to begin enriching uranium with advanced centrifuges at its key nuclear sites in Fordo and Natanz, according to a report from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). This development escalates concerns over Tehran's nuclear program, as it continues to enrich uranium close to weapons-grade levels.
The IAEA report specified that Iran would use new centrifuges to enrich uranium to a purity level of 5%, significantly lower than the 60% enrichment it currently achieves. This move is likely a signal from Iran indicating its willingness to negotiate with the West, especially with the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump. However, it remains uncertain how Trump will handle relations with Iran, particularly as tensions rise in the Middle East and with ongoing hostilities involving Israel and Hamas.
The IAEA report also highlighted that Iran plans to feed uranium into multiple cascades of its advanced centrifuges, including the IR-2M, IR-4, and IR-6 models. These machines are designed to enrich uranium much faster than Iran's earlier IR-1 centrifuges, which have been the backbone of its atomic program. While the exact number of centrifuges in each cascade remains unclear, Iran has previously used around 160 centrifuges in a single cascade.
At this stage, it is not certain whether Iran has already begun the enrichment process, as Tehran has been vague about its plans. However, starting enrichment at the 5% level offers Iran leverage in negotiations with Western powers while keeping the option open to increase the enrichment level if diplomatic talks falter. Enriching uranium to weapons-grade levels, typically around 90%, remains a potential escalation point.
Since the collapse of the 2015 nuclear deal following the U.S. withdrawal in 2018, Iran has been enriching uranium at levels just below weapons-grade. While U.S. intelligence agencies and others maintain that Iran has not yet initiated a weapons program, the international community remains concerned about the potential for further escalation.
Iran, a signatory of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), has pledged to allow the IAEA to inspect its nuclear facilities to ensure that its activities are peaceful. However, Tehran has reduced the agency’s access to some sites and failed to fully address questions regarding the presence of nuclear material at various locations following the breakdown of the nuclear deal.
In recent months, Iranian officials, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian, have expressed an interest in resuming talks with the West. However, tensions have escalated due to Iran's involvement in military actions against Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Kazem Gharibabadi, an Iranian diplomat, criticized Europe’s approach to the nuclear issue, describing it as “self-centered” and irresponsible. Meanwhile, European Union diplomat Enrique Mora stated that discussions with Iranian officials had focused on a range of topics, including Iran's nuclear program, regional tensions, and human rights concerns, emphasizing the need for a diplomatic solution.
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