Iran has revealed plans to expand its uranium enrichment program by installing thousands of advanced centrifuges and activating more of its existing equipment. These developments, detailed in a confidential International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) report, could accelerate the country’s ability to produce enriched uranium. This raises concerns among global powers about nuclear proliferation
New Centrifuge Installations Announced
Iran plans to install over 6,000 additional centrifuges at its uranium enrichment facilities. These machines are vital for processing uranium into fuel for nuclear reactors or, at higher levels of enrichment, for nuclear weapons. The newly planned cascades include advanced IR-6 centrifuges, which are more efficient than earlier models. A single cascade can hold up to 1,152 machines, making it the largest of its kind in Iran.
These upgrades will take place at Iran’s key facilities, including Natanz and Fordow. Both sites are already operational and house thousands of centrifuges. The report indicates that while some of these machines are yet to be fed with uranium, Iran is preparing to bring them online soon.
Enrichment Levels Under Scrutiny
Currently, Iran enriches uranium to 60% purity at Fordow and an above-ground pilot plant at Natanz. This level is close to the 90% required for weapons-grade material. The new installations, however, are set to produce uranium at lower levels, such as 5% purity. Analysts suggest this could be a move to ease tensions with European nations, though the capability to adjust enrichment levels remains.
Enriching uranium at higher levels significantly shortens the time needed to produce material for a nuclear weapon, should Iran choose to do so. Although Iran denies pursuing nuclear arms, Western nations argue that such high-purity enrichment lacks a civilian justification.
IAEA’s Monitoring and Concerns
The IAEA closely monitors Iran’s activities at these facilities. It has identified changes needed to enhance its inspection efforts, especially at Fordow, which is built into a mountain for added protection. Inspectors verified that while Iran has slowed enrichment at the 60% level, it has not yet fed uranium into some of the newly installed cascades.
Iran’s decision to expand enrichment activities comes after the IAEA’s 35-nation Board of Governors passed a resolution urging Iran to cooperate more fully with the agency. Despite offering to cap its stockpile of 60%-enriched uranium, Iran proceeded with its plans after the resolution was adopted.
The Global Implications of Iran’s Moves
These developments have significant implications for global security and diplomacy. Western nations, including the United States, Britain, France, and Germany, view Iran’s enrichment activities as a potential threat. High-purity enriched uranium poses risks of proliferation, increasing the likelihood of nuclear weapons development.
Iran’s actions also challenge the 2015 nuclear agreement, which placed strict limits on its nuclear program. The agreement, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), collapsed after the U.S. withdrew in 2018. Since then, efforts to revive the deal have stalled, leaving Iran free to advance its nuclear capabilities.
Growing Capabilities at Key Sites
The Natanz facility, a vast underground site, is a focal point of Iran’s enrichment program. Iran has installed 18 cascades of IR-2m centrifuges there and plans to bring them online soon. Additionally, it aims to add 18 more cascades of IR-4 centrifuges, each capable of housing 166 machines.
At the above-ground pilot plant at Natanz, Iran plans to install a massive cascade of IR-6 centrifuges. This cascade, containing up to 1,152 machines, would significantly enhance Iran’s enrichment capacity.
The Fordow site, another critical facility, already enriches uranium to 60% purity. Its fortified location makes it challenging for external forces to target, adding to international concerns.
What Lies Ahead
Iran’s expanding enrichment program signals its intent to strengthen its nuclear capabilities, despite international opposition. The IAEA continues to monitor developments, but diplomatic efforts to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions face hurdles.
As the situation evolves, global powers remain focused on ensuring that Iran’s nuclear program remains peaceful, emphasising the need for transparency and cooperation. The international community will likely keep a close watch on Iran’s actions, given the broader implications for regional and global stability.