Iran activates advanced centrifuges amid UN nuclear criticism

Iran announced on Friday that it has activated advanced centrifuges to enhance its uranium enrichment capabilities. This move follows a resolution from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which criticized Tehran for its lack of cooperation with international nuclear inspections. Iran stated that the decision was necessary to safeguard its national interests and further develop its nuclear program for peaceful purposes, a claim it has consistently made despite international concerns about its potential for weaponization.

The announcement involves a significant increase in the use of new and advanced centrifuges, with gas already injected to commence the enrichment process. While Iran maintains that its nuclear activities are peaceful, the step has drawn sharp criticism given the IAEA’s findings of undeclared nuclear material and uranium traces at undisclosed sites. Iran dismissed the IAEA’s resolution as politically motivated, accusing Western nations, particularly the United States and three European powers, of leveraging undue influence over the agency.

This development occurs against the backdrop of strained relations stemming from the 2015 nuclear agreement, which initially limited Iran’s nuclear activities. The deal began to unravel in 2018 when then-President Donald Trump withdrew the US and reinstated sanctions, prompting Iran to scale back its commitments. Since then, Tehran has increasingly moved away from the deal’s restrictions, launching more advanced centrifuges and stockpiling enriched uranium.

IAEA Director Rafael Grossi has voiced concerns that Iran has accumulated sufficient uranium enriched to near-weapons-grade levels to construct several nuclear weapons if it chooses to do so. Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Gideon Sa’ar praised the IAEA’s resolution, framing it as a critical diplomatic step to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions. US officials have similarly warned of the dramatically reduced “breakout time” Iran would need to produce weapons-grade material, now estimated to be as short as one to two weeks.