Iran has announced the activation of new advanced centrifuges for its nuclear program following criticism from the United Nations' nuclear watchdog. The move comes after the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) urged Iran to improve its cooperation with the agency.
The state news agency IRNA reported that Iran will be activating a significant number of new and advanced centrifuges of different types. The country stated that these steps are being taken to protect its interests and further develop peaceful nuclear energy in line with national needs and rights.
Enriching uranium through centrifuges is a key process in nuclear development, although Iran has consistently denied any intentions of building a nuclear weapon. The IAEA resolution also calls for a comprehensive assessment of Iran's nuclear program and its cooperation with the agency.
Iran criticized the resolution as politically motivated and claimed it was made under pressure from certain countries. The country vowed to continue its technical and safeguards cooperation with the IAEA as previously agreed.
Israel's Defense Minister praised the IAEA's resolution, emphasizing the need to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. The resolution is seen as a diplomatic effort to address Iran's nuclear ambitions.
Under the terms of the 2015 nuclear deal, Iran was limited to operating a specific number of older-model centrifuges and using advanced centrifuges for research purposes only. However, Iran began scaling back its commitments to the deal after the US withdrew in 2018 and imposed economic sanctions.
US officials have expressed concerns about Iran's nuclear breakout time, indicating that it could produce enough weapons-grade material for a nuclear weapon in a matter of weeks. The situation remains tense as Iran asserts its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes while facing scrutiny from the international community.
