The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has cautioned that Iran is set to “significantly” augment its reserve of near weapons-grade uranium.Rafael Grossi made these remarks during the International Institute of Strategic Studies’ Manama Dialogue event held in Bahrain.
He indicated that Iran has started to prepare advanced centrifuge cascades at its nuclear facilities to boost its stock of 60% enriched uranium.
This enrichment level is a quick, technical leap from the weapons-grade threshold of 90%. Iran insists that it is not pursuing nuclear weapons.
Iran has yet to officially acknowledge the preparations, which Grossi claimed commenced today.
Inspectors are eager to assess the developments, he noted.
Mr. Grossi remarked that Iran is delivering a “clear message” following its recent rebuke by the IAEA’s board of governors.
“This is a clear indication that they are reacting to what they perceive as pressure,” he told journalists.
Last month, Iran announced its intention to deploy “new and advanced” centrifuges in retaliation to the nuclear watchdog’s resolution censure, which described Tehran’s insufficient cooperation.
The censure motion, introduced by the UK, France, Germany, and the United States at the IAEA’s 35-member board, follows a comparable motion from June.
“It is obvious that the events occurring are in direct response to this; this is quite evident,” Mr. Grossi stated, emphasizing: “The implications should not be overlooked”.
A historic nuclear agreement from 2015 between Iran and major powers was designed to provide the country with relief from harsh sanctions in return for constraining its nuclear ambitions to prevent the development of weapons capabilities.
Tehran adhered to the terms of the accord, but in 2018, during Donald Trump’s initial term, the U.S. withdrew from the agreement, enforcing stringent sanctions on Iran, which prompted Tehran to escalate its nuclear activities.
Mr. Trump is set to resume office next month.Last week, representatives from Iran, the UK, France, and Germany convened in Switzerland and agreed to proceed with further discussions.
