IAEA: Iran to Expand Nuclear Program

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Facts

  • According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Iran plans to install over 6K extra uranium-enriching centrifuges at its Fordow and Natanz facilities in a move the UN watchdog warns would significantly expand its uranium enrichment capabilities.[1][2]
  • On Thursday, the IAEA's confidential report also claimed that Iran plans to enrich uranium up to 5% purity using eight IR-6 centrifuge cascades recently installed at Fordow, adding to its existing infrastructure of over 10K operating centrifuges.[3]
  • It added that the plans would see Iran install 32 additional clusters of more than 160 machines alongside 1,152 advanced IR-6 machines.[2]
  • This expansion follows a censure resolution passed by the 35-nation IAEA Board of Governors, which urged Tehran to increase cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog and provide explanations for uranium particles found at undeclared sites.[4][5]
  • Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has indicated that reimposing UN sanctions could push Tehran to reconsider its nuclear doctrine and revoke its commitment to abstain from developing nuclear weapons.[6][7]
  • The announcement came ahead of crucial talks between Iran and France, Britain, and Germany in Geneva, which saw the two sides agree to maintain open communication.[5][8]

Sources: [1]Iran International, [2]Reuters, [3]The New Arab, [4]Shafaq News, [5]Al Jazeera, [6]The Guardian, [7]TASS and [8]Middle East Monitor.

Narratives

  • Pro-Iran narrative, as provided by Tehran Times and Mehr News Agency. The expansion of nuclear capabilities is a legitimate response to Western failures in upholding commitments under the 2015 nuclear deal and continued sanctions pressure. The program remains peaceful, and Iran maintains its right to develop nuclear technology for civilian purposes.
  • Anti-Iran narrative, as provided by Newsweek and The Guardian. Iran's nuclear expansion and hints at doctrine changes represent dangerous escalations that could lead to weapons development. The installation of advanced centrifuges and increased enrichment capabilities — combined with a lack of cooperation with IAEA inspectors — raises serious proliferation concerns.