New Advanced Centrifuges Commissioned by Iran in Response to IAEA Resolution
In a recent development, Iran has announced the commissioning of new advanced centrifuges. This move comes as a response to a critical resolution passed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that condemned Tehran’s nuclear activities and accused it of non-cooperation.
Details of the IAEA Resolution
The resolution, which was drafted by London, Paris, Berlin, and Washington, was approved by 19 of the 35 member states of the IAEA’s governing board. Votes against the resolution were cast by Russia, China, and Burkina Faso, while 12 countries chose to abstain. Following the vote, Iran’s representative criticized the resolution, labeling it as a “politically motivated” gesture.
Iran’s Response
In retaliation, the head of the Iranian Atomic Energy Organization ordered the commencement of a number of new advanced centrifuges of various types. Both the IAEA and the Iranian Foreign Ministry confirmed this development on Friday. The resolution adopted in Vienna reiterated Iran’s “legal obligations” under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), which was ratified in 1970.
Western Diplomats’ Criticism
Criticism towards Iran’s nuclear activities was made clear by Western diplomats at Vienna. US ambassador Laura Holgate described Iran’s nuclear activities as “deeply problematic”. Despite the allegations, Tehran maintains that its nuclear program is purely civilian and denies any intention of building an atomic bomb.
The Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)
The NPT obliges signatory states to declare and place their nuclear material under IAEA safeguards. In 2015, an agreement to regulate Iran’s nuclear program was reached in Vienna between Iran and the US, France, Germany, the UK, China, and Russia. However, in 2018, then US president Donald Trump withdrew from the agreement and reimposed heavy sanctions against Tehran. In response, Iran has significantly increased its stockpile of enriched uranium to 60%, close to the 90% threshold needed to produce an atomic bomb under IAEA’s definition.
