Iran has informed the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) of plans to install over 6,000 new centrifuges to enhance uranium enrichment. This announcement came ahead of talks with Britain, France, and Germany in Geneva regarding Iran’s nuclear program. The ongoing diplomatic discussions followed a recent censure from the IAEA’s Board of Governors, which had been urged by the US, UK, France, and Germany.
In addition to the new centrifuges, Iran intends to bring online more existing centrifuges, boosting its enrichment capacity. The IAEA report highlighted the installation of 18 additional cascades of IR-4 centrifuges at Iran’s Natanz facility, which could accelerate uranium enrichment, raising concerns over the potential for nuclear proliferation. Although Iran has previously agreed to limit its uranium enrichment to 60% purity, well below the 90% needed for weapons-grade uranium, these new measures could bring it closer to a dangerous threshold.
The Geneva talks were set against the backdrop of growing tensions, with the US presidential election looming. During his first term, President Donald Trump withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal, imposing severe sanctions on Iran. In response, Iran increased its nuclear activities.
The discussions also covered broader issues, including Iran’s support for Russia, regional tensions, and human rights. Iran’s representatives emphasized the importance of continued dialogue and engagement, while also criticizing the EU for its stance on the Ukraine conflict and the Israeli-Palestinian crisis. Israel, meanwhile, reiterated its commitment to preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
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