International Atomic Energy Agency report - Iran carries out its threat and intensifies uranium enrichment.
Based on a decision from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) against Iran, Tehran is making progress in increasing its Uranium enrichment capacity. The IAEA recently disclosed in Vienna that the Iranian government has added more high-performance centrifuges for Uranium enrichment.
The Islamic Republic also disclosed plans for installing numerous more high-performance centrifuges. Approximately 350 of these machines have been constructed in an underground facility in Fordow, while another 350 are being built, as reported by the IAEA.
The Board of Governors at the International Atom Energy Agency had suggested in a resolution last week that Tehran cooperate with IAEA inspectors to clarify lingering questions regarding suspected clandestine nuclear activities in the past. Germany, France, and Britain implied indirect threats of activating the UN Security Council if the Iranian government failed to respond. In response, Iran's government issued threats of a "proportional, effective, and immediate reaction" if this resolution were to be implemented.
The US State Department strongly condemned the nuclear activities reported in the IAEA's findings. "These actions, as described in the report, further undercut Iran's assertion that its atomic program is solely for peaceful purposes," remarked State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller on Thursday. The US government has vowed to "respond appropriately" if Iran proceeds with its threats.
Although Iran claims they only enrich Uranium for peaceful purposes, they have been accused of producing near-weapons-grade material, which has a greater purity than what is required for nuclear fuel or scientific applications. In 2015, Iran agreed to significantly curb its nuclear program. In return, Western countries pledged to lift sanctions. However, the 45th US President, Donald Trump, rescinded the agreement shortly after taking office, leading to the reactivation of Iran's uranium enrichment facilities.
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- The nuclear dispute between Iran and the international community continues to escalate, with Tehran intensifying its uranium enrichment activities in defiance of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
- Following the IAEA's report, the USA has expressed concern over Iran's actions, with State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stating that these activities undermine Iran's claims of a peaceful nuclear program.
- Amidst growing tensions, the IAEA urged Iran to cooperate with its inspectors and address concerns regarding suspected clandestine nuclear activities, as mentioned in a recent resolution passed by the Board of Governors in Vienna.
- The latest developments in the nuclear dispute between Iran and the IAEA have raised concerns of conflicts and threats, not only between Iran and the USA but also involving key players such as Germany, France, and Britain.