Iran announced on Friday that it would activate a series of advanced centrifuges to significantly boost its uranium enrichment capabilities, escalating tensions after a resolution by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) censured Tehran for its lack of cooperation with nuclear inspectors. The resolution, spearheaded by the United States, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, criticized Iran for failing to provide credible explanations for the presence of undeclared nuclear materials.
In a joint statement, Iran's Atomic Energy Organization and Foreign Ministry confirmed the directive to enhance enrichment capacity. "The head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran issued an order to take effective measures, including launching a significant series of new and advanced centrifuges of various types," the statement said. The move came just days after IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi raised "deep concern" over Tehran's nuclear activities.
Speaking to state television, Behrouz Kamalvandi, a spokesman for Iran's atomic agency, said the measures would "substantially increase the enrichment capacity" and utilize advanced machinery to expedite the process. Kamalvandi added that the actions were reversible, should Western nations withdraw their "hostile actions" or resume constructive negotiations.
The IAEA resolution, adopted by 19 of the 35 member nations on its board, demanded that Tehran fulfill its obligations under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and provide explanations for uranium particles detected at undeclared sites. Russia, China, and Burkina Faso opposed the measure, while 12 countries abstained. The resolution also called for a comprehensive report on Iran's nuclear activities to be issued by spring 2025.
This marks the latest in a series of disputes over Iran's nuclear ambitions, which have escalated since the United States unilaterally withdrew from the 2015 nuclear accord under President Donald Trump. The agreement had imposed restrictions on Iran's nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. Following the U.S. withdrawal, Tehran began scaling back its commitments and advancing its uranium enrichment activities, including reaching levels of 60% purity-well above the 3.67% limit set by the agreement but below the 90% threshold needed for weapons-grade material.
Grossi recently visited Tehran in an effort to revive cooperation. While Iran agreed during the visit to cap its stockpile of uranium enriched to 60%, the IAEA director general has indicated that serious gaps in transparency remain. "Iran must act to fulfill its legal obligations," Grossi said, emphasizing the need for credible responses from Tehran.
The announcement of increased enrichment has drawn sharp criticism from Western officials. "This action is yet more proof that Iran has no interest in peace," said U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. "The international community must hold Tehran accountable."
Iranian officials, however, dismissed the resolution as counterproductive. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi criticized the measure as "hasty and unwise," warning that it would "complicate" diplomatic efforts. Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran's deputy foreign minister for legal and international affairs, suggested Tehran could take even more drastic steps if Western nations escalate their pressure, including withdrawing from the NPT. "Iran had announced in an official letter to European countries that it would withdraw from the NPT if the snapback mechanism was activated, and the Security Council sanctions were reinstated," Gharibabadi told state media.
The IAEA's findings have raised concerns about Iran's broader intentions. Confidential reports leaked earlier this week indicated that undeclared nuclear materials were found at two locations near Tehran, adding to suspicions that the Islamic Republic may be pursuing activities beyond its stated peaceful purposes. Tehran has repeatedly denied such allegations.
The timing of the resolution coincides with a period of heightened geopolitical tension. President-elect Donald Trump, set to take office in January, has pledged to pursue a hardline approach to Iran, reviving memories of his administration's "maximum pressure" campaign during his previous term. Analysts suggest that both Iran and Western nations may be maneuvering to strengthen their positions ahead of Trump's inauguration.
Despite the escalating rhetoric, some experts see room for diplomacy. "Iran did not start the cycle of provocation," said Tehran-based political analyst Hadi Mohammadi. "The Western side could, without passing a resolution, create the atmosphere for negotiations if it really wanted talks."
