On Thursday, Iran announced plans to establish a new uranium enrichment facility following findings from UN nuclear monitors indicating that the country hasn’t met its nuclear commitments.
The Iranian government released a statement decrying what they termed “political motivation” in the reports, suggesting a bias and expressing a need to “respond” to the situation.
“Consequently, the chairman of Iran’s Atomic Energy Agency has been directed to initiate the development of new enrichment facilities in secure locations,” according to a joint announcement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Atomic Energy Agency.
The statement also noted that instructions were given to upgrade “first generation centrifuges with more advanced sixth generation machines” at the Martyr Ali Mohammadi (Fordo) Enrichment Center.
Moreover, officials mentioned that further measures are in the pipeline and will be revealed shortly.
This development comes amid rising tensions in the region, particularly as U.S. officials have started relocating non-essential personnel from various embassies and locations throughout the Middle East. In Israel, a directive has been issued for embassy staff to avoid travel until further notice.
Interestingly, this announcement precedes upcoming nuclear discussions between Iran and the U.S. scheduled for Sunday in Oman. President Trump has hinted at the possibility of air strikes against Iran’s nuclear sites if a new agreement isn’t reached.
France, the UK, Germany, and the U.S. proposed a resolution that was adopted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Committee.
According to the Associated Press, 19 nations voted in favor of the resolution, 11 abstained, while two nations chose not to cast a vote. Russia, China, and Burkina Faso opposed the resolution.
The draft request noted by the AP urged Iran to investigate certain traces and provide answers to a series of questions “without delay,” especially regarding sites it had not declared as nuclear locations.
Under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), Iran must disclose all its nuclear materials and activities, ensuring that IAEA inspectors can confirm they have not deviated from peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
Since 2019, Iran has reportedly struggled to meet its obligations for providing comprehensive and timely cooperation regarding nuclear materials and activities in several undeclared sites, which has been seen as a breach of its commitments according to the reports.
