Iran, after nuclear facility strike, says "We will increase uranium enrichment level"

Israel Identified as Behind Attack
Variable in Iran Nuclear Deal Restoration Talks

Satellite image showing Iran's Natanz nuclear facility
[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] Tensions in the Middle East are escalating as Iran has decided to significantly increase its uranium enrichment level after accusing Israel of being behind the attack on its nuclear facilities. This move is also expected to become a variable in the ongoing negotiations to restore the Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA - Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action).

On the 13th (local time), according to Iran's state media IRNA, Abbas Araghchi, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister, informed the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that "Iran will raise its uranium enrichment level to 60%." This is the highest enrichment level ever, bringing Iran one step closer to the 90% enrichment level required for nuclear weapons development.

This measure is analyzed as a counter-response to the recent attack on Iran's Natanz nuclear facility. On the 11th, a power outage occurred at the Natanz nuclear facility, which Iranian authorities have classified as a terrorist attack by foreign forces.

Iran has pointed to Israel as the party behind the attack on its nuclear facilities and has warned of a strong retaliatory response. According to Iranian sources, thousands of centrifuges were destroyed in the attack.

An Iranian government official stated, "Uranium enrichment will resume immediately from today." Al Jazeera, citing officials, reported that "the nuclear facility is currently operating normally using emergency power."

In response to Iran's actions, White House spokesperson Jen Psaki said, "Iran's actions are very concerning," and criticized, "The situation must be resolved through diplomatic means."

The recent attack on Iran's nuclear facility and Iran's resumption of uranium enrichment are likely to become major variables in the ongoing discussions to restore the Iran nuclear deal in Vienna, Austria. On the same day, Germany's Foreign Minister Heiko Maas pointed out, "The attack on Iran's nuclear facility will negatively affect efforts to restore the nuclear deal."

Al Jazeera analyzed, "Iran's plan to achieve 60% uranium enrichment indicates a significant escalation of tensions surrounding the Iran nuclear issue."

Meanwhile, at the time of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, Iran agreed to limit uranium enrichment to 3.67%, but after the U.S. withdrew from the agreement, Iran resumed uranium enrichment, which is now reported to have risen to around 20%.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.