Iran has recently initiated the operation of new cascades of advanced centrifuges and plans to install more in the near future, as reported by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). This move comes after facing scrutiny over its nuclear program, with the United States labeling the actions as 'nuclear escalations.'
The IAEA confirmed that Iran has started feeding uranium into three cascades of advanced IR-4 and IR-6 centrifuges at its Natanz enrichment facility, enriching uranium up to 2% purity. Additionally, Iran intends to install 18 cascades of IR-2m centrifuges at Natanz and eight cascades of IR-6 centrifuges at its Fordo nuclear site, all of which enrich uranium at a faster rate than the country's baseline IR-1 centrifuges.
Despite enriching uranium close to weapons-grade levels, Iran has not indicated any plans to further escalate enrichment levels. The country's nuclear program has been a point of contention amid heightened tensions between Tehran and the West, particularly as the conflict between Israel and Hamas intensifies in the Gaza Strip.
The U.S. State Department expressed concern over Iran's actions, stating that the expansion of its nuclear program lacks a credible peaceful purpose. The U.S. and its allies have not disclosed specific measures in response to Iran's moves, but Iran already faces significant economic sanctions that have severely impacted its economy in recent years.
Iran's decision to advance its nuclear program follows a recent censure by the IAEA for failing to fully cooperate with the agency. Despite being a signatory to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, Iran has faced challenges in providing full transparency and access to its atomic sites for inspection.
As Iran continues to navigate its nuclear ambitions and international scrutiny, the country also grapples with escalating tensions with the U.S. and Israel. The recent open conflict between Iran and Israel underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the region.
